show category: operetta

After the wonderful musical supervision composer J. Strauss has himself signed for the absolute premiere from 5 April 1874, the operetta “The Bat” would further trigger humour and an unparalleled joie de vivre with every new performance. The charm of the Viennese composer was highly appreciated by some of his contemporary composers, such as Johannes Brahms, whom is believed to having attended each and every performance of the operetta and Gustav Mahler has also brought distinction and complimented Strauss’ waltzes, in which he saw an “enchanting uniqueness and inventiveness”.

Once we enter the story of the operetta, the sumptuous masked ball comes to life and lights the Russian prince’s court, framing perfectly the racy encounters of the variously disguised characters: the rich bourgeois couple with marital problems, the wife’s maid and her demanding sisters, a talkative and righteous jailer. They all proceed in a humorous, symbolical journey, which starts in the dance saloon and ends in prison, and which provides various opportunities for farce and humour, but also for sincere emotions and a surprisingly realistic perspective upon life, scattered with abundant laughs and champagne.

“The Bat” is definitely the most beloved, lively and eagerly-awaited performance that heralds each New Year’s Eve. J. Strauss-son’s creation has been enjoyed for decades as a New Year’s lyric tradition, in opera theatres all over the world, and brings the same joy every time, the same electrifying and jocular atmosphere, in an enchanting, unforgettable performance!

The performance has two intermissions and ends at around 9.30 p.m.
Recommended Age: 5+