Bregenzer Festspiele — Attraction in Stadt Bregenz

My average note is only relevant to the fact that open air event organizers do not cancel performances even in case of heavy rain. We planned our opera night 6 months in advance, booked a baby sitter, drove 45 minutes and prepared the best we could for the rainy weather (raincoats etc). In spite of all this, the rain was so strong that we were sitting on wet seats from the very start, and we could see water going in the mouth of the singers. After the first act we and many other people started to leave. I find that it's a complete disrespect towards the performers and visitors. Some can enjoy opera and good weather, while others less lucky should shut up and bear, while still paying great money. Other open air events at least propose to pause and continue when conditions allow or to come another day. When I called the ticket office a few days before to ask when happens in case of a rain, I was told that the performance is not cancelled in case of a light rain, only when there is a strong rain and we will be informed a few minutes before the start. However, when I called AFTER the opera, the person on the phone said that they don't cancel for any rain, even a strong one. Only when there are storms. This is because they want us, quote :"have the full immersive experience". So please, at least get your story straight when you answer weather relevant questions to avoid misunderstandings that whatever falls on us from the sky and doesn't kill us is not a reason to cancel. Most people go to opera as a social event to dress nicely, have some champagne and enjoy. With the current approach at Bregenz opera, one cannot be sure to get the nice experience, one was hoping for.

Other than that, it was a really unique and nice place and good opera...

This has been on my bucket list since I found out about an amphitheater on Lake Constanz! It did not disappoint! Performance: We saw "Der Freischütz" (The Marksman) by Carl Maria von Weber. While it was in German, the story was easy to follow, except perhaps the ending, which was unexpected for me. The actors were amazing, especially when working in a stage with water throughout. Staging: The star of the show! A stage built on a lake with a lake on it. Dilapidated buildings illustrate the young Agathe's desperation to go anywhere else. The staging added to the morose nature of the setting. The use of fire and water defines the infernal struggle going on with Max as he tries to win Agathe's hand. Seating: Stage on the lake, seating on the land. It still had an intimate feeling with 7,000 seats. With the slope of the seating, there shouldn't have been a bad sight line. Although it can be a little intimidating for some. Therefore, if you are uncomfortable with height, choose seats in the lower rows. Another tip would be to bring a pad for your seat. Sitting for two or more hours on weather-resistant plastic seats can be uncomfortable. Theater: The theater was nicely laid out. The restrooms are clean. The lobby is well designed with easy access to amenities. The after show bars provided a nice area to discuss the show. It included special drinks for the festival! I was more than satisfied with my visit and enjoyed...

We visited “The Freischütz” by Carl Maria von Weber, which is considered a key work of the German romantic opera. We can highly recommend it: amazing, very elaborate decorations built on the lake, great music and singing, large cast, lots of special effects and overall an outstanding performance.

The story takes place in a rural German village. Max, a young forester, must win a shooting contest to marry Agathe, the daughter of the head forester, Kuno. However, Max has lost his confidence after a series of failures. In desperation, he turns to Kaspar, another forester who has secretly made a pact with dark forces. Kaspar convinces Max to cast "magic bullets" in the haunted Wolf’s Glen at midnight. These bullets are supposed to never miss their target, but the last bullet is controlled by the devil.

At the contest, Max fires his final bullet at a target meant for the competition — but the bullet, influenced by evil, instead aims at Agathe. Miraculously, she is saved by a sacred wreath she wears, and Kaspar is struck down instead. In the end, Max confesses his actions. Rather than being punished severely, he is given a year to prove his worth, after which he may marry Agathe. The opera blends elements of folklore, supernatural horror, love, and redemption, and is known for its vivid atmosphere, especially the eerie...