Lohengrin Tickets

Hellenstein Castle Knights' Hall, Heidenheim, Germany

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Available Dates: 2 - 31 Jul, 2027 (6 events)

Important Info

Type: Opera

City: Heidenheim, Germany

Sung in: German

Titles in: German

Ticket delivery: E-Tickets

E-tickets: Print at home or at the box office of the event if so specified. You will find more information in your booking confirmation email.

Can I choose my seats?

You can only select the category, and not the exact seats.
If you order 2 or 3 tickets: your seats will be next to each other.
If you order 4 or more tickets: your seats will be next to each other, or, if this is not possible, we will provide a combination of groups of seats (at least in pairs, for example 2+2 or 2+3).

Cast

Performers

Choose the date to see the peformers

Creators

Composer: Richard Wagner

Director: Georg Schmiedleitner

Librettist: Richard Wagner

Overview

Richard Wagner's Lohengrin, one of the masterpieces of the German Romantic repertoire, takes centre stage at the Heidenheim Opera Festival 2027. Premiering on 2 July 2027, the new production forms one of the festival's two major operatic highlights and continues Heidenheim's acclaimed tradition of presenting Wagner's works in the spectacular surroundings of Hellenstein Castle.

Set in medieval Brabant, Lohengrin tells the legendary story of the mysterious Swan Knight, who arrives to defend the noble Elsa of Brabant under one condition: she must never ask his name or origins. Blending romance, chivalry, political intrigue, and supernatural mystery, Wagner created one of his most lyrical and emotionally compelling operas, featuring unforgettable music including the famous Prelude to Act I and the universally celebrated Bridal Chorus.

Presented as part of the festival's 2027 theme "Sprengkraft" ("Explosive Power"), Lohengrin reflects the artistic ambition that has earned the Heidenheim Opera Festival international recognition for its imaginative productions, exceptional musical standards, and unique historic venues.

History

Premiere of this production: 28 August 1850, Deutsches Nationaltheater Weimar

Lohengrin is a Romantic opera in three acts composed and written by Richard Wagner, first performed in 1850. The story of the eponymous character is taken from medieval German romance, notably the Parzival of Wolfram von Eschenbach and its sequel, Lohengrin, written by a different author, itself inspired by the epic of Garin le Loherain. It is part of the Knight of the Swan tradition.

Synopsis

Place: Antwerp, on the Scheldt.
Time: 10th century

Summary

The people of the Duchy of Brabant are divided by quarrels and political infighting; also, a devious hostile power left over from the region's pagan past is seeking to subvert the prevailing monotheistic government and to return the Duchy to pagan rule. A mysterious knight, sent by God and possessing superhuman charisma and fighting ability, arrives to unite and strengthen the people, and to defend the innocent noble woman Elsa from a false accusation of murder, but he imposes a condition: the people must follow him without knowing his identity. Elsa in particular must never ask his name, or his heritage, or his origin. The conspirators attempt to undermine her faith in her rescuer, to create doubt among the people, and to force him to leave.

Act 1

King Henry the Fowler has arrived in Brabant, where he has assembled the German tribes in order to expel the marauding Hungarians from his dominions. He also needs to settle a dispute involving the disappearance of the child-Duke Gottfried of Brabant. The Duke's guardian, Count Friedrich von Telramund, has accused the Duke's older sister, Elsa, of murdering her brother in order to become Duchess of Brabant. Telramund calls upon the King to punish Elsa and to make him the new Duke of Brabant.

The King calls for Elsa to answer Telramund's accusation. Elsa does not answer the King's inquiries, only lamenting her brother's fate. The King declares that he cannot resolve the matter and will leave it to God's judgment through ordeal by combat. Telramund, a strong and seasoned warrior, agrees enthusiastically. When the King asks Elsa who shall be her champion, Elsa describes a knight she has beheld in her dreams (Narrative: "Alone in dark days").

Twice the Herald calls for a champion to step forward, but gets no response. Elsa kneels and prays that God may send her champion to her. A boat drawn by a swan appears on the river and in it stands a knight in shining armour. He disembarks, dismisses the swan, respectfully greets the king, and asks Elsa if she will have him as her champion and marry him. Elsa kneels in front of him and places her honour in his keeping. He asks only one thing in return for his service: Elsa must never ask him his name or where he has come from. Elsa agrees to this.

Telramund's supporters advise him to withdraw because he cannot prevail against the Knight's powers, but he proudly refuses. The chorus prays to God ("Herr und Gott") for victory for the one whose cause is just. Ortrud, Telramund's wife, does not join the prayer, but privately expresses confidence that Telramund will win. The combat commences. The unknown Knight defeats Telramund but spares his life. Taking Elsa by the hand, he declares her innocent. The crowd exits, cheering and celebrating.

Act 2

Night in the courtyard outside the cathedral

Telramund and Ortrud, banished from court, listen unhappily to the distant party-music. Ortrud reveals that she is a pagan witch (daughter of Radbod Duke of Frisia), and tries to revive Telramund's courage, assuring him that her people (and he) are destined to rule the kingdom again. She plots to induce Elsa to violate the mysterious knight's only condition.

When Elsa appears on the balcony before dawn, she hears Ortrud lamenting and pities her. As Elsa descends to open the castle door, Ortrud prays to her pagan gods, Wodan and Freia, for malice, guile, and cunning, in order to deceive Elsa and restore pagan rule to the region. Ortrud warns Elsa that since she knows nothing about her rescuer, he could leave at any time as suddenly as he came, but Elsa is sure of the Knight's virtues. The two women go into the castle. Left alone outside, Telramund vows to bring about the Knight's downfall.

The sun rises and the people assemble. The Herald announces that Telramund is now banished, and that anyone who follows Telramund shall be considered an outlaw by the law of the land. In addition, he announces that the King has offered to make the unnamed knight the Duke of Brabant; however, the Knight has declined the title, and prefers to be known only as "Protector of Brabant". The Herald further announces that the Knight will lead the people to glorious new conquests, and will celebrate the marriage of himself and Elsa. In the back of the crowd, four noblemen quietly express misgivings to each other because the Knight has rescinded their privileges and is calling them to arms. Telramund secretly draws the four noblemen aside and assures them that he will regain his position and stop the Knight, by accusing him of sorcery.

As Elsa and her attendants are about to enter the church, Ortrud rushes to the front of the procession and challenges Elsa to explain who the Knight is and why anyone should follow him. Their conversation is interrupted by the entrance of the King with the Knight. Elsa tells both of them that Ortrud was interrupting the ceremony. The King tells Ortrud to step aside, then leads Elsa and the Knight toward the church. Just as they are about to enter the church, Telramund enters. He claims that his defeat in combat was invalid because the Knight did not give his name (trial by combat traditionally being open only to established citizens), then accuses the Knight of sorcery. He demands that the Knight must reveal his name; otherwise the King should rule the trial by combat invalid. The Knight refuses to reveal his identity and claims that only one person in the world has the right to make him do so: his beloved Elsa, and she has pledged not to exercise that right. Elsa, though visibly shaken and uncertain, assures him of her confidence. King Henry refuses Telramund's questions, and the nobles of Brabant and Saxony praise and honor the Knight. Elsa falls back into the crowd where Ortrud and Telramund try to intimidate her, but the Knight forces them both to leave the ceremony, and consoles Elsa. Elsa takes one last look at the banished Ortrud, then enters the church with the wedding procession.

Act 3

Scene 1: The bridal chamber

Elsa and her new husband are ushered in with the well-known bridal chorus, and they express their love for each other. Ortrud's words, however, have made an impression on Elsa; she laments that her name sounds so sweet on her husband's lips but she cannot utter his name. She asks him to tell her his name when no one else is around, but at all instances he refuses. Finally, despite his warnings, she asks the Knight the fatal questions. Before the Knight can answer, Telramund and his four recruits rush into the room in order to attack him. The Knight defeats and kills Telramund. Then, he sorrowfully turns to Elsa and asks her to follow him to the King, to whom he will now reveal his secrets.

Scene 2: On the banks of the Scheldt (as in Act 1)

The troops arrive equipped for war. Telramund's corpse is brought in. Elsa comes forward, then the Knight. He tells the King that Elsa has broken her promise, and discloses his identity ("In fernem Land") by recounting the story of the Holy Grail and of Monsalvat. He reveals himself as Lohengrin, Knight of the Grail and son of King Parsifal, sent to protect an unjustly accused woman. The laws of the Holy Grail say that Knights of the Grail must remain anonymous. If their identity is revealed, they must return home.

As Lohengrin sadly bids farewell to Elsa, the swan-boat reappears. Lohengrin tells Elsa that if she had kept her promise, she could have recovered her lost brother, and gives her his sword, horn and ring, for he is to become the future leader of Brabant. As Lohengrin tries to get in the boat, Ortrud appears. She tells Elsa that the swan is actually Gottfried, Elsa's brother, whom she cursed to become a swan. The people consider Ortrud guilty of witchcraft. Lohengrin prays and the swan turns back into young Gottfried. Lohengrin declares him the Duke of Brabant. Ortrud sinks as she sees her plans thwarted.

A dove descends from heaven and, taking the place of the swan at the head of the boat, leads Lohengrin to the castle of the Holy Grail. Elsa is stricken with grief and falls to the ground dead.

Venue Info

Hellenstein Castle Knights' Hall - Heidenheim
Schloß Hellenstein

Hellenstein Castle Knights' Hall is the main festival venue of the Heidenheim Opera Festival.

The medieval ruins of the Knights' Hall at Hellenstein Castle is the breathtaking backdrop for the Heidenheim Opera Festival - and has been for 50 years! The castle is the first thing that catches the eye of everyone who comes to Heidenheim. No matter from which direction - the castle is visible from afar. The city's landmark sits enthroned like a protector at a height of 74 meters on the Hellenstein rock. The original Stauferburg was built between 1130 and 1145, but was almost completely destroyed in a fire in 1530. Only the ruins of the so-called Knights' Hall remain. Duke Friedrich I of Württemberg had a Renaissance palace built in front of this medieval building complex. A fortress with mighty rondelles and bastions arose. In the 18th century the complex fell into disrepair,

The fruit box of the castle now houses the museum for carriages, chaises and carts. The history of southwest German land transport is impressively documented here on four floors. 80 vehicles - from simple carts to magnificent baroque sleighs - give an insight into the means of transport from the 18th to the 20th century. The exhibits also include the oldest taxi in Germany, dating back to 1898. The Hellenstein Castle Museum is also located on the grounds of the castle and is divided into several areas. One section illuminates the prehistory and early history of Heidenheim, another the city history of the 19th and 20th centuries. In addition, the exhibition "Old Toys" as well as the "Indian Collection" and the Thea Voith Collection are presented.

A visit to the castle is also worthwhile for those who are less interested in history - if only because of the picturesque view over Heidenheim and its surroundings. Several ascents lead from the old town up to the Hellenstein. Of course you can also go by car. Hellenstein Castle is surrounded by a spacious, gently rolling park with old trees. This is followed by a 30-hectare wildlife park - a relaxing spot of forest in the middle of the city.

The first castle was built on Hellenstein at the beginning of the 12th century. Numerous Staufer humpbacks can be found in the walls of the castle ruins. In 1530 a major fire destroyed the castle. During the reconstruction in the middle of the 16th century, the castle was given the form that is recognizable today. Hellenstein Castle was built between 1595 and 1611 to the east of the castle. Today the Hellenstein Castle Museum is located in the Castle Church, Obervogtei, Burgvogtei and Altanenbau, and the Marstall, which is used for cultural events, is on the ground floor of the Burgvogtei. The way to the city leads into the artistically designed three-aisled hall of the north gate. The striking building on the southeast side, the fruit box, was built around the middle of the 15th century and served as a collection point for taxes in kind.

Today the museum for carriages, chaises and carts is housed there. From the southeast bastion, the Zwetschgengärtle, you can enjoy a wide view of the city and the surrounding area. To the west of the fruit box is the fountain garden with the 78 m deep Kindles fountain. The walk through the castle park leads through the north-east gate in the direction of Michaelskirche. The neighboring evangelical vicarage dates from 1771.