Wiener Staatsoper: The Seasons

A walk through the year as a metaphor for life. With The Seasons, the aged Joseph Haydn composed a great secular oratorio about man’s integration into the cycle of nature. This inspired choreographer Martin Schläpfer to create his first full-length dance piece for the Wiener Staatsballett, in which 80 dancers are joined by three singers of the Wiener Staatsoper’s ensemble and the Arnold Schoenberg Chor. Scenes from real life are juxtaposed with gripping musical depictions of nature, grand oratorio scenes with popular singspiel full of wit and crude humour.

“The State Opera Orchestra flourishes under the baton of Adam Fischer, who is very familiar with Haydn and his music. […] It is a constantly mood-changing flow of life […] brilliantly realised in dance.” (Die Welt)

“What a stunner: the entire ballet ensemble with a large orchestra and choir! It’s an evening for all the senses.” (Die Presse)