Oper Leipzig — Attraction in Leipzig

Hi, Welcome Leipzig,

My name is Hamza Muhammad,

Leipzig, a city in the federal state of Saxony, Germany, is known for its rich cultural history, economic significance, and vibrant contemporary scene. Here are some key points about Leipzig:

Historical Significance

Trade and Fairs: Leipzig has been a major center for trade since the Middle Ages, primarily due to its location at the crossroads of important trade routes. The Leipzig Trade Fair is one of the oldest in the world.

Music and Arts: The city is renowned for its musical heritage, with connections to composers like Johann Sebastian Bach, who worked at the St. Thomas Church. The Gewandhaus Orchestra and the Leipzig Opera are also notable institutions.

Literature and Philosophy: Leipzig has been a center for literature and philosophy, home to Germany's first daily newspaper and the University of Leipzig, where famous thinkers like Goethe and Nietzsche studied.

Economic and Educational Hub

Industry and Business: Leipzig has a diverse economy with strengths in manufacturing, automotive (notably the Porsche and BMW plants), logistics, and biotechnology.

Education: The University of Leipzig, founded in 1409, is one of the oldest universities in Germany and a prominent research institution. The city also hosts several other higher education institutions.

Cultural and Recreational Attractions

Museums and Galleries: Leipzig is home to numerous museums, including the Museum of Fine Arts, the Grassi Museum, and the Bach Museum.

Green Spaces: The city boasts extensive parks and green spaces like Clara Zetkin Park and the Leipzig Riverside Forest.

Nightlife and Festivals: Leipzig has a lively nightlife, with many bars, clubs, and music venues. It hosts several festivals, such as the Wave-Gotik-Treffen, one of the largest goth festivals in the world.

Modern Development and Living

Urban Development: Leipzig has undergone significant urban renewal and development in recent decades, leading to its reputation as a rapidly growing and dynamic city.

Transport: The city is well-connected by an efficient public transport system, including trams and buses, and the Leipzig/Halle Airport.

Political and Social Role

Peaceful Revolution: Leipzig played a pivotal role in the Peaceful Revolution of 1989, leading to the fall of the Berlin Wall and the reunification of Germany. The Monday Demonstrations started here.

Diverse Population: The city has a diverse and multicultural population, contributing to its vibrant...

I can only confirm the reviews here about UNFRIENDLY STAFF! Although it seems that the management has been ignoring this issue, I will leave here my complaint just because. Yesterday we went to see Anatevka without realizing that theres a second building that also belongs to the opera and is about 4km of the same. We are not from Leipzig so we didnt know about the second building. Apparently seven other people made the same mistake yesterday. At least these were at the same time that we arrived. Being there we made a friendly suggestion and a feedback that perhaps would be could to signalise at the ticket: attention this is in a separate building. The first gentlemen kept saying the address was on the ticket, which was not our point. I also manage events and deal with clients and thats a good feedback, just write it bigger „attention“ or something that is not super small on the ticket. The guy was extremely unfriendly almost laughing of it and taking it personal. Then another old Lady came from the reception just making things worse by saying: „this would be too much of an effort for us“. I mean is this answer a joke? So dear management of Opera Leipzig, if you even care to read this, maybe you should hire a better staff or if you hire unfriendly people maybe train them? Maybe they can understand the concept of a service provider? Customer service? Or just keep ignoring the complaints of your customers and keep losing attendance, apparently you can afford that ! I will never return to this opera. And will advise...

It was my pleasure recently to attend Oper Leipzig and part of the "Strauss Wochenende," specifically, performances of "Salome" and "Elektra." I traveled to Leipzig following a sojourn in Wien, where, just days before, I had seen a performance of "Salome" at the Staatsoper.

I have already posted publically on other media my opinion (as a trained musician and former singer) that, musically, the Leipzig "Salome" equaled, and in many instances surpassed the Staatsoper performance. Elisabet Strid was a vocally far superior Salome. The Herod was likewise well-performed. I did not care AT ALL for the production or staging. In this instance, the Jürgen Rose Staatsoper production from 1972 is FAR superior!

A much stronger ensemble was apparent in the "Elektra" that featured the outstanding Catherine Foster, and introduced me to the talented Melanie Diener. But, again, I intensely disliked the production, concept, and staging. Several elements flew directly in the face if the Hofmannstal/Strauss score, and did nothing to enhance the performance.

In both performances, the Gewandhaus Orchestra was stellar - such excellent musicianship and playing! What a privilege to experience these performances of two of my favorite operas!

I was disappointed that neither performance was at capacity. The citizens of Leipzig have a superior house in their midst, and missed two excellent operas.

Thank you to Ulf Schirmer, and the management of Oper Leipzig for two very enjoyable evenings of...