Camille Saint-Saëns Oper Samson and Delilah (premiered in 1877) at the Klosterneuburg Opera: After the exodus from Egypt, the people of Israel immigrated to Palestine, where they “fell back” into polytheism and, as punishment, fell into servitude to the Philistines. However, liberation seems possible through the hero Samson, who, as a devotee, has supernatural powers – but only as long as he does not have his hair shaved. The priestess Dalila tries to get this secret out of him. Around Kristian Benedikt and Margarita Gritskova in the title roles, half of the city community helps together in the monastery’s imperial courtyard: orchestra, dance factory, choir and extras. Musical direction: Thomas Rösner, direction: Mario Pavle del Monaco. Premiere on July 4th (afze)
