Der Wassermann vom Grundlsee
The selection of the Salzkammergut as the European Capital of Culture Salzkammergut 2024 with one of the core themes "Salt and Water" was the momentum to turn the popular "Crossover" project of the Aussee Baroque Days into a special highlight.
For this special occasion, a contemporary opera about the old, mystical legend of the region, "Der Wassermann vom Grundlsee", which is about the discovery of salt in Ausseerland, was commissioned by Dr. Verena Frey and completed by two outstanding international artists, who had already composed two contemporary operas and recently performed them successfully throughout Europe.
The elements of salt and water, which together with fishing have been an important basis for all livelihoods in our region for thousands of years and are also the historical origin of its relations with the wider European area, are ideally thematized in the opera.
The exciting plot involves a water sprite, half man half fish, who is caught in a fishing net and, as he jumps back into the water, points in the direction of the Sandling mountain, where the salt deposits in the Ausseerland were discovered.
The libretto by Stefano Pintor also contains vivid interpersonal conflicts and a dramatization of the formation of the Ausseerland landscape, covered millions of years ago by a sea that left fossilized ammonites, salt and water in the region. The composition by Vanni Moretto combines contemporary music with baroque and folkloristic elements.
The opera will be performed by talented young European singers in cooperation with the Mozarteum University Salzburg and outstanding international musicians three times on the shores of Lake Grundlsee.
The composer himself will conduct the opera, while the director of the Bavarian State Opera in Munich, Andreas Weirich, has been engaged as stage director.
Further information at www.ausseerbarocktage.com
Schifffahrt Grundlsee will provide a shuttle service on the evenings. This means that guests who do not wish to drive to the outdoor pool parking lot can reach the events by boat.
Departure times: 19:30 and 20:00
After the performance: approx. 22:00 and 22:15 back to the Seehotel