Opera Festival - Austria / II. Republic of Austria 2003 - 55 Euro Cent

The Roman quarry of St. Margarethen was - as the name says - already used by the Romans. He supplied the material for the Stephanskirche, the buildings of the Ringstraße in Vienna as well as for the viaducts and retaining walls of the Semmeringbahn. Since 1926 and from 1961 on every 5 years passion plays take place in the quarry, which attracted 72,000 spectators in 2001. It is therefore logical to use the resulting from the demolition of the stones magnificent natural stage with its 40 -meter-high walls also for opera festivals. After Nabucco, Carmen and Othello in 2003, the Puccini opera Turandot from 24.7. until 24.8. on the program. Stage designer Manfred Waba will use the magical ambience of the quarry to raise old Beijing in front of the 100,000 expected opera fans. Gianfranco de Bosio, former director of the Arena di Verona, with 400 performers, an international ensemble of eleven nations and application of many Commedia dell'arte effects, impressive acrobatics and ballet deposits, daring stunts and many stage effects for a monumental event, all In a Nebensteinbruch Humperdincks "Hansel and Gretel" is given again for children.