04/28/2026
Congratulations to and Intendant Matthias Schulz on a wonderful recital of Schubert’s Winterreise and a successful evening for “Zukunft Oper” all around.
Before the musical portion, members of the Stiftung Zukunft Oper presented the audience prize winners of the recent youth design competition to envision a new structure instead of the current “Fleischkäse”. (The somewhat derogatory nickname given to the current office building due to its shape and color…). It was encouraging to hear the young designers’ inspirations for a structure that would combine functional use for the opera house administration and production needs with public access as a gathering place for the people of Zurich (and tourists of course) with access to the lake. Let’s hope the city, canton, architects, and who are entrusted with the project think equally big and comprehensive. Well done, guys!
The recital itself was a lesson in expressing a broad palette of sentiments with expert stage declamation. After a bit of vocal warming up in the opening song, (which is perfectly fine :), Michael Volle provided a wonderful palette of colors, tones, emotions… from pensive with whispered but always perfectly supported vocal production, to defiant with an edge, to ebullient with hope ringing out, letting his sonorous voice swell with sentiment. He took us on a loving journey and made us care deeply for the protagonist.
Matthias Schulz was as articulate at the piano as in his remarks to the audience. He played assuredly, in constant communication with the singer yet also told his own story, creating a tapestry of soundscapes, colors, and melodies at the Steinway from which to launch the storyline.
As he said with a twinkle before the performance to the crowd who had shown up to sit indoors despite finally warm sunny weather in Zurich: ‘once you’ve suffered through Die Winterreise, you’ll be ready for summer for good’. 👏👏👏
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