Art and Responsibility

• The Oper Leipzig continues rehearsals for re-opening
• Advanced ticket sales for December pushed back
• The Leipzig Ballet is healthy, despite a confirmed coronavirus case

Like many others, the Oper Leipzig has cancelled all performances through 29 November 2020.  The premiere of Lohengrin, which took place a week early with an already reduced-capacity audience, served as a sign of courage and the joy of performance both in the house and for the audience – with results confirmed by enthusiastic reactions from across the globe.

Intensive rehearsals for the new productions of Il trovatore and Die Kinokönigin continue in the opera house, and planning for Christmas and New Year’s concert programs are also underway. A decision regarding concrete dates for December has been postponed, pending renewed decisions from the Federal Government and the states, which will provide planning security. Intendant and General Music Director Prof. Ulf Schirmer underlines the responsibility that art holds towards society, »The Oper Leipzig is doing its part to support the City of Leipzig in its efforts to contain the COVID-19 virus. Closing the Oper, the Leipzig Ballet, the Musikalische Komödie and the Junge Oper Leipzig is especially painful for our artists. But we are continuing to rehearse and exchange ideas, and we are staying optimistic.«

Following a positive COVID-19 test result in the Leipzig Ballet, all of the dancers were tested. No one else was infected. One Leipzig Ballet dancer started experiencing mild symptoms last Friday, had to stay in quarantine and was diagnosed with the coronavirus. His colleagues arranged for food to be delivered to him. Remy Fichet, production manager, says, »We are very pleased with the protection that our strict hygiene concept has provided us with backstage, which helped prevent further infection.« As a cautionary measure, the Leipzig Ballet trains in two separate teams. Distancing regulations are observed during training sessions and for current choreographies, and, in addition, outside contacts are prohibited from entering the ballet’s rehearsal room.