In the course of an immersive theatre experience, Klangforum Wien will delve into the scintillating world of Arnold Schoenberg. He painted playing cards, developed a chess game for four players, invented fairy tales, helped shape the art movement Der Blaue Reiter as a painter, witnessed Europe's darkest hours, nearly made it in Hollywood, was a keen tennis player – and, as is generally better known, is one of the most influential composers in the history of music. His music still divides opinion today. In celebration of his 150th birthday, director Johannes Erath, sopranos Christine Schäfer and Magdalena Anna Hofmann, as well as the Arnold Schoenberg Choir are conspiring with Klangforum Wien to create a voluptuously madcap evening at the theatre, that celebrates the Viennese composer’s humor, versatility and love of experimentation – and to tackle the most crucial question: Did the composer, plagued by a fear of the number 13, simply have to stop after twelve semitones?
Friday the Thirteenth is dedicated to the memory of Michael Boder, who passed away unexpectedly on 7 April. The production was conceived under his musical direction. The MusikTheater an der Wien is committed to continue the production in his spirit under the direction of Anna Sushon, who prepared the project together with Michael Boder. She is internationally active as a répétiteur and conductor. Her repertoire includes works from all stylistic periods, with a focus on contemporary music.
Premiere: 26 April 2024
Further performance dates: 30 April and 03/05/07 May