The Merry Widow by Lehár, Minn (2022/2022), Burg Lindenfels, Lindenfels, Germany

Through countless performances, Franz Lehár's operetta 'The Merry Widow' has cemented its reputation as a worldwide hit. The piece has not only been performed on the operatic stage, but has also had several film and television adaptations. One of the reasons for the continued success of this work is surely the presence of many famous melodies such as the 'Vilja-Lied', 'Da geht' ich zu Maxim' and the duet 'Lippen mutter'. Opera Classica Europa is privileged to present this wildly popular operetta on June 26, 2021 against the scenic backdrop of the castle ruins of Lindenfels, ensuring an entertaining and lively evening. As in previous years, attendees can look forward to a classical production with international soloists, chorus, renowned orchestra, gorgeous costumes, and impressive lighting. The backstory of the opera takes place in the destitute Balkan principality of Pontevedro and concerns the love between the Count Danilo and Hanna, a simple maid. Due to Hanna's lack of title, the count is forbidden from marrying her and, under threat of disinheritance, is forced to end the relationship. After the breakup, Danilo is sent to Paris where he distracts himself with the various allures of Parisian nightlife. Meanwhile, Hanna manages to marry the rich banker Glawari, who dies shortly after the marriage ceremony, leaving her with millions. Here begins the plot of the opera: The embassy of Pontevedro in Paris is throwing a ball to honor the birth of the Grand Duke, and the millionaire widow Hanna is expected to attend. It is widely hoped that her next husband not be a Frenchman, but rather a citizen of Pontevedro, so as to ensure that her wealth remain in the already-impoverished principality. Baron Mirko Zeta, the host of the ball, has Count Danilo in mind as a potential suitor. The Count is still very much in love with Hanna, but worries that any attempts at rekindling the romance would appear to be based solely on the desire for Hanna's great wealth. This conundrum, coupled with a swarm of potential suitors for Hanna serves as the basis for a turbulent comedy with a cornucopia of exciting events. The Merry Widow' shines particularly through the ball and dance scenes in which (for the audience of the time) a completely new idea was introduced: a young, confident woman who responds to mens' advances according to her own rules. She is always in control of the situation and makes clear her disdain and disgust for political machinations and insincere flattery. In this way, Hanna is able to repel self-serving suitors by the dozens. For fans of beautiful romantic music, this is an event not to be missed!