Die Fledermaus

Die Fledermaus is one of the greatest operetta masterpieces by The Waltz King, Johann Strauss II. This supreme piece of musical theatre exhilarates audiences with its beautiful waltzes and polkas, light, refined satire and humour. By the denouement, the venue is joyfully awash in song, dance and drama. This blithe, flamboyant work is well known as a staple of year-end/new-year Vienna.

The production was directed by Heinz Zednik, a renowned tenor who also holds the title of Kammersänger of Vienna State Opera. Zednik debuted as a director in 2006 with this production, and directed the Volksoper Wien's Die Fledermaus the following year. Born in Vienna and with a repertoire that includes the four roles in Die Fledermaus, Zednik personifies the Viennese spirit. This orthodox production makes ample use of elegant yet delightfully unconventional devices, fully conveying the charms of this joyful operetta.

The role of Eisenstein is performed by Thomas Blondelle, a tenor whose appearances with opera theatres such as the Deutsche Oper Berlin have attracted considerable attention. The role of Rosalinde is performed by Sabina Cvilak, who dazzled audiences as Elisabeth in Tannhäuser at the New National Theatre Tokyo with her incredible dramatic expression. The role of Dr. Falke is sung by Salzburg native Rafael Fingerlos, and the role of Prinz Orlofsky is embodied by Daichi Fujiki, who has soared to great success as a countertenor in Vienna. This remarkable cast joins forces to splendid effect with young conductor Daniel Cohen, the General Music Director of the Staatstheater Darmstadt who is particularly renowned in the German-speaking world.