The Bayreuth Baroque Opera Festival just scooped a major win, being named “Best Festival” at the Oper! Awards 2024. Let’s dive into what makes this event so special.

On a splendid evening in Amsterdam, the Bayreuth Baroque Opera Festival was spotlighted for its excellence, clinching the “Best Festival” accolade at the prestigious Oper! Awards 2024. Dr. Clemens Lukas and Georg Lang, the brains behind Bayreuth Baroque, proudly accepted the award, marking a significant milestone for the festival.

A Stroke of Genius

The jury lavished praise on the festival, particularly applauding Max Emanuel Cencic’s artistic leadership. They hailed his direction as a masterstroke, bringing wit, entertainment, virtuosity, and a modern twist to baroque opera like never before.

Artistic director Cencic expressed his heartfelt thanks and joy for the recognition. “This award highlights our festival’s energy and innovative approach,” he shared in a video message, echoing the festival’s ambitious spirit.

Rapid Rise to Fame

Dr. Lukas pointed out the festival’s quick ascent to international fame, now in its fifth year. Previously nominated for the International Opera Awards and celebrated by Forum Opéra, Bayreuth Baroque’s commitment to excellence is evident.

The 2024 festival promises an exciting lineup from September 5th to 15th. It will showcase two opera productions: Nicola Antonio Porpora’s “Ifigenia in Aulide,” directed by Cencic, and Antonio Vivaldi’s “Orlando Furioso” in collaboration with Teatro Comunale di Ferrara. These productions promise to breathe new life into baroque masterpieces, some returning to the stage after nearly three centuries.

The Monteverdi Choir

Founded in 1964 by John Eliot Gardiner, is renowned for its passionate and precise performances of a wide range of choral music. From its inception, the choir has been dedicated to bringing fresh interpretations to music from the Baroque, Classical, and Romantic periods, as well as contemporary works. The ensemble is celebrated for its stylistic versatility, rich sound, and the emotional depth it brings to live performances and recordings.

Under Gardiner’s meticulous direction, the Monteverdi Choir has earned a distinguished place in the world of classical music, acclaimed for its innovative approach to historical musicology and performance practice. The choir’s collaborations with the English Baroque Soloists and the Orchestre Révolutionnaire et Romantique have led to critically acclaimed performances across the globe, making it one of the most respected and sought-after choirs in the international music scene.

A Festival of Stars

Bayreuth Baroque isn’t just about operas. The festival will also feature seven concerts and performances by top baroque talents like Les Talens Lyriques and Il Pomo d’Oro. Stars such as Anna Prohaska and Jakub Józef Orliński will grace the festival, adding to its allure.

The Bayreuth Baroque Opera Festival stands as a beacon of cultural excellence, merging historic art forms with contemporary appeal. Its success at the Oper! Awards 2024 is a testament to its vibrant contribution to the arts, promising an unforgettable experience for all who attend.

AWARDS