© Michele Monasta
Hans Werner Henze’s opera Der junge Lord is a sharp and witty exploration of societal hypocrisy and the fear of the unknown. Premiered in 1965 at the Deutsche Oper Berlin, this compelling work blends elements of 18th-century comic opera with a satirical edge. Based on Wilhelm Hauff’s fairy tale The Ape as Man, the libretto by Ingeborg Bachmann tells the story of a small German town disrupted by the arrival of an eccentric English nobleman and his peculiar entourage. Among them is the mysterious young Lord Barrat, who captivates and unsettles the townspeople—until they discover that he is, in fact, a trained monkey. Henze’s music masterfully balances irony and lyricism, evoking both humor and unease. This new production, conducted by Markus Stenz and directed by Daniele Menghini, marks the opera’s first performance in Italy in its original language at the Maggio Musicale Festival.
The Story of Der junge Lord
In a small German provincial town, the citizens are obsessed with social status and recognition. When the wealthy and eccentric English nobleman Lord Edgar arrives with his mysterious entourage, curiosity spreads among the townspeople. Most intriguing is the young Lord Barrat, Edgar’s supposed nephew, whose bizarre behavior both fascinates and unsettles the community.
Eager to keep up with the aristocracy, the citizens go to great lengths to please the young Lord, flatter him, and imitate his manners. However, as they desperately try to fit in, the shocking truth is revealed: Lord Barrat is not human but a trained circus monkey. This revelation exposes the vanity, hypocrisy, and absurdity of the townspeople, who have unwittingly ridiculed themselves.
Henze’s satirical opera blends irony with profound social critique, questioning conformity, the fear of the unknown, and the desperate pursuit of status and acceptance.
Cast and Creative Team of Der Junge Lord
The Artists
Opera in two acts
Libretto by by Ingeborg Bachmann, after Wilhelm Hauff’s fairy tale “Der Affe als Mensch” (The Ape as Man)
Conductor • Markus Stenz
Staging • Daniele Menghini
Sets • Davide Signorini
Costumes • Nika Campisi
Lights • Gianni Bertoli
Maggio Musicale Fiorentino Orchestra and Chorus
Chorus master • Lorenzo Fratini
Children choir of the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino Academy
Children chorus master • Sara Matteucci
Choreography • Sofia Nappi with the dancers KOMOCO Arthur Bouilliol, Leonardo de Santis, Glenda Gheller, India Guanzini, Paolo Piancastelli, Senne Reus, Julie Vivès
Choreography assistant • Adriano Popolo Rubbio
Corps de ballet • Compagnia KOMOCO
Running Time • Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes (intermission included)
CAST
Sir Edgars Sekretär • Levent Bakirci
Lord Barrat • Matteo Falcier
Begonia • Caterina Dellaere
Der Bürgermeister • Andreas Mattersberger
Oberjustizrat Hasentreffer • Yurii Strakhov
Baronin Grünwiesel • Marina Comparato
Luise • Eleonora Bellocci
Ida • Nikoletta Hertsak
Wilhelm • Antonio Mandrillo
Amintore La Rocca • James Kee
Teatro del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino
The 87th Maggio Musicale Fiorentino Festival presents a new production of the opera Der Junge Lord, conducted by Markus Stenz and directed by Daniele Menghini. It marks the opera’s first performance in Italy in its original language at the Maggio Musicale Festival.
The Teatro del Maggio is home to the prestigious Maggio Musicale Fiorentino festival, which takes place each spring and features a variety of operatic performances, concerts, and other cultural events. The festival attracts some of the biggest names in the world of opera, as well as up-and-coming talent from around the globe.
The Teatro del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, located in Florence, Italy, is one of the most renowned opera houses in the world. Founded in 1933, the theater has a long and illustrious history of presenting some of the finest operatic performances, attracting audiences from all over the world. The theater has undergone several renovations and upgrades over the years, including a major overhaul in the 1990s, which saw the addition of state-of-the-art technical equipment and improved seating arrangements. Today, the Teatro del Maggio is a modern, world-class facility that offers audiences an unparalleled opera experience.
Booking Process
Music trip to Florence for 3 days / 2 nights with premium tickets for the opera Der Junge Lord at the 87th Maggio Musicale Fiorentino Festival. The highlight of the trip is a visit to the renowned Teatro del Maggio Fiorentino on the second evening to experience a spectacular performance with international stars. You can choose between the Essential and Superior Package.
Each travel package will be composed according to your wishes.
Follow the booking process:
- Select a Date
- Press “Add to cart” and “Send Request”
- When we receive your booking request, you will get an individual offer with some hotels to choose from. Only after your decision, we send you a travel contract to confirm the booking.
- Description of the Essential and Superior Package
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Performance Dates of Der Junge Lord
2025-05-25 ... 2025-05-31
Maggio Musicale Fiorentino Festival
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In Florence at the Teatro del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino
