Between 1763 and 1766, Mozart travelled the low countries with his father Leopold and his sister Nannerl. They also performed in Amsterdam. In 2016, this will be exactly 250 years ago. This will be celebrated with Mozart’s first small opera, Bastien und Bastienne, a classic one-act work, which he composed at the age of twelve.
Opera op Zak created a new modern day version, in which young talent can shine. For the Grachtenfestival, Jeroen Sarphati wrote a brand new Dutch translation of the libretto. Elsina Jansen is the director.
Synopsis: a young composer and his teacher are behind the piano, working on an opera: a tenor and a soprano are singing sadly about their trouble in love. A baritone who is talking somewhat mysteriously brings them together. All is well that ends well, the end. But the boy is unsatisfied: this is not the story he wanted to tell. He does not want to abide by the rules like a child. Away with structures, away with the beaten path... He wants chaos and emotions and lets his imagination run wild.
Foundation Opera op Zak, Museum Van Loon and the Grachtenfestival have been bringing opera to the canal garden for years. After the 45 minute-long opera, the audience is invited to stay for a drink and enjoy the wonderful building and garden.