"European Parliament Passes Resolution Regarding Topic"

In the world of classical music and theatre, there's always something new and exciting happening. Here's a roundup of recent developments:

Opera Debut in Neustrelitz

Axel Brueggemann is set to make his opera directing debut, staging Mozart's Abduction from the Seraglio in Neustrelitz. Brueggemann, eager for the adventures of the coming season, also looks forward to resuming his reading at BackstageClassical on September 1st.

Mozart's Master Singers and Cesare Production

Bayreuth's Master Singers and Salzburg's Cesare production share similarities in their half-life, despite one wanting to be consciously unpolitical and the other consciously political. Both performances stand in the shadow of a competing Barrie Kosky production.

Politics and Culture in Germany

The "Weimar-Konzept" is an attempt to overcome the shortcomings of the old patriarchal city theatre system. The Deutsches Nationaltheater Weimar, under new leadership, aims to rethink city theater structures and the political role of the stage in the region of Thuringia, particularly Weimar. Bjoern Hoecke's AfD has been successful in Thuringia, fostering a populist mood. The Weimar Theatre stands for an open, freedom-loving democratic order and basic constitution.

Cultural Cuts in Berlin

Further cuts in culture of around 110 million euros compared to 2025 are planned for Berlin. No theatre closures are planned, and the renovation of the Komische Oper continues. Particularly worthy institutions such as children's and youth theatres are affected by cuts of only 1.5 percent. Conversely, the classical music program in rural regions and smaller cities threatens to be severely restricted or even discontinued due to lack of commercial alternatives.

Protests in Salzburg and Bayreuth

Markus Hinterhaeuser, strolling past the police barrier towards the red carpet in Salzburg with a cigarette in hand, was the centre of attention when a protest group hijacked the opening to draw attention to the situation in Gaza. Friedrich Merz raved about the Master Singers at the Bayreuth state reception and plans to attend again next year. Michael Barenboim, in solidarity with the protest, posted about the event on Facebook.

Ukraine's Demand for Cultural Events

In Ukraine, the demand for cultural events has never been greater, according to Oksana Lyniv, conductor. Lyniv also considers Valery Gergiev's cancelled concert in Italy as a "misuse of culture" in the service of political propaganda.

Elsewhere in Europe

The Vienna Symphony Orchestra had to re-advertise the position of intendant, with Jan Nast expected to continue in the job. Guido Krawinkel looks forward to the diversity and courage in smaller houses in the new season.

Across the Pond

Trump's Corporation for Public Broadcasting is cutting classical music on US radio, causing non-profit classical stations to lose about ten percent of their budget and face increased music license costs. The Kennedy Center plans to name a hall after Melania Trump.

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Political and Artistic Reforms

Valentin Schwarz, director at the Weimar Theatre, is part of an intendant team that aims to rethink city theatres, fostering an open feedback and error culture. The new leadership aims to rethink city theater structures and the political role of the stage in the region of Thuringia, particularly Weimar.

Axel Brueggemann's New Project

Lastly, Axel Brueggemann will write a new story for Peter and the Wolf for the Hamburg Philharmonic Orchestra, relocating the action to St. Pauli in the time of Mucki Pinzner.

As always, we'll bring you more updates as they happen. Stay tuned!