The Staatsorchester Braunschweig plays on the open air stage in the Bürgerpark.
Verdi and Wagner were born in 1813, and on Sunday the 200th anniversary of their births was celebrated with a concert of works by both composers. On the stage sits the orchestra, with the conductor, baton in hand, silhouetted against the white of the arched canopy.
The concert began with Wagnerian choruses from The Flying Dutchman, Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg, Lohengrin and Tannhäuser! The chorus of the Staatstheater sung out, together with two excellent soloists, and it was so good to hear Wagner´s music in the land of his birth.
The second half of the concert consisted of choruses from La Traviata, Il Travatore, Rigoletto Nabucco and Aida by Verdi. Verdi´s music provided a playful contrast to dark Wagnerian drama. As a finale, the orchestra played, "The Ride of the Valkyries," a wild, rousing piece of music with which to end an excellent concert.
Monika sits behind her trusty bike!
I met Monika at Europaplatz, and she had arrived early, and saved a good spot for us under the trees. Although it was overcast, it was much too warm to sit out in the open. Monika had strapped our chairs to the small rack on the back of her trusty bike, so we were able to enjoy a very comfortable afternoon in the park, with a beer each and a big packet of cheese and onion crisps to share!
The stage viewed through "Wolter´s" beer stall. (What better place.)
Wolter´s brewery in Braunschweig brews the local beer, but unfortunately, much like the beer brewed by Wadworth´s of Devizes, it does not agree with me! I have found German alternatives of course, all of which are quiet easy to drink.
The open air stage with a hot air balloon flying above.
Families and friends sat in the huge audience, picnicing, drinking wine and relaxing on the grass. The weather was overcast and not as warm as of late, but at least it did not rain. A good day in the fresh air for all concerned.
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