Fidelio

Beethoven's magnificent only opera takes place in Spain when governed by a military regime where Florestan, a freedom fighter, has been imprisoned in a detainment camp for political prisoners by his enemy Don Pizarro who plans to starve him to death while rumours circulate that he is already dead. On hearing these frightening rumours and desperate to save Florestan, his wife Leonore, disguised as a man and named Fidelio succeeds in getting a job working for the jailer Rocco as a means of finding a way to free him. Embarrassingly Rocco's daughter Marzelline is hoping to marry Fidelio spurning her former sweetheart, Jacquino.

When Don Pizarro hears of the impending visit to the prison of his superior, Don Fernando, he decides to murder Florestan, only to discover that Fidelio is shielding the prisoner so the frustrated and furious Pizarro attempts to kill them both. However, Leonore suddenly draws a pistol and reveals herself as Florestan's wife. About to fire the pistol to kill Pizarro a trumpet fanfare is heard announcing the arrival of Don Fernando, so the panic stricken Pizarro immediately leaves Florestan's cell. Consequently Florestan and Leonore feel they have been saved and are ecstatic.

Rocco informs Don Fernando of Don Pizarro's horrific misdeeds who instructs all prisoners held unjustly to be released to family and friends, including Leonore who removes the chains from Florestan. Marzelline consents to marry Jacquino as Pizarro is led away to imprisonment.

The opera ends with the sensational closing chorus praising married love and the triumph of goodwill and humanity.

Please note: this performance will be sung in German with English surtitles.