The early flowering of opera: a fragrant L’Orfeo at Schwetzingen

Julian Prégardien (Orfeo), Ruth Häde (Proserpina) and Thomas Berau (Plutone)

Shachar Lavi (La Musica)

Julian Prégardien (Orfeo) and Amelia Scicolone (Euridice)

Shachar Lavi (La Musica), Julian Prégardien (Orfeo) and Thomas Berau (Plutone)

By Mengguang Huang, 03 May 2026

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Reviewed at Rokokotheater Schloss Schwetzingen, Schwetzingen on 3 May 2026

Monteverdi, L'Orfeo (Orpheus), SV318

Nationaltheater Mannheim

Jörg Halubek, Conductor

Markus Bothe, Director

Robert Schweer, Set Designer

Justina Klimczyk, Costume Designer

Damian Chmielarz, Lighting Designer

Il Gusto Barocco

Opernchor des Nationaltheaters Mannheim

Julian Prégardien, Orfeo

Valerio Contaldo, Orfeo

Amelia Scicolone, Euridice, Eco

Shachar Lavi, La speranza, La musica

Ruth Häde, Proserpina, Pastore 1

Thomas Berau, Plutone

Nathanaël Tavernier, Caronte

Ilya Lapich, Apollo

Marie-Belle Sandis, La messaggiera

Yaara Attias, Ninfa

Rafael Helbig-Kostka, Pastore 2, Spirito 1

Ilja Aksionov, Pastore 2, Spirito 1

Raphael Wittmer, Pastore 3, Spirito 2

An unforgettable Good Friday Parsifal in Mannheim

Ako Imamura, 30th March

The 1957 production of Parsifal, with its traditional staging and dreamy imageries, was a perfect backdrop to showcase Wagner's celebration of stage play with music on Good Friday.

*****

“Auf nach Mahagonny" in Mannheim!

Ilana Walder-Biesanz, 30th December

A modern Mahagonny rises and falls in Mannheim, brought to life by a great cast of singer-actors and a conductor (Benjamin Reiners) and orchestra who celebrate Weill's catchy score.

****1

Polished Mahagonny: Weill and Brecht's satire remains as relevant as ever

Matthew Rye, 1st July

Nationaltheater Mannheim's new production of Brecht and Weill's collaboration is a true company achievement and a thrilling evening of music and theatre.

****1

Electric Elektra in Mannheim

Matthew Rye, 13th May

A classic production of Strauss' searing operatic depiction of the House of Atreus is revived with a particularly accomplished cast and musical direction.

*****

Der Golem: ecstatic première in Mannheim

Stephan Eckel, 16th April

The première of Bernhard Langs *Der Golem* leads through a frenzied night of occult stories.

****1

Sicilian melodrama: Tancredi in Mannheim

Matthew Rye, 11th December

The singing proves the main draw in Mannheim National Theatre's new production of Rossini's first great opera seria.

***11

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Mengguang Huang

Mengguang Huang is a Hamburg-based project manager in the construction industry. With a strong passion for classical music, he was introduced to the world of early music during his time in the UK, where he developed a particular fondness for renaissance and Baroque vocal music. Driven by his love for this genre, he now makes it a priority to attend major Baroque opera productions and concerts across Western Europe whenever possible, continuing to deepen his appreciation for this rich musical tradition.