Deutsche Oper Berlin premieres Stockhausen’s Mittwoch aus Licht

The Deutsche Oper Berlin has premiered “Mittwoch aus Licht” (Wednesday from Light), a significant part of Karlheinz Stockhausen’s monumental seven-day opera cycle, “Licht”. This production marks the German scenic premiere of the work and serves as the inaugural performance under the new artistic direction of Aviel Cahn.

Directed by Susanne Kennedy with set design by Markus Selg, the production features a complex structure including the “World Parliament” and the “Helicopter String Quartet”. The latter involves musicians performing in helicopters, a feat captured via large-scale video projections to accommodate the live audience. The performance is noted for its cosmic-spiritual themes, blending electronic sounds, elaborate stagecraft, and a science-fiction aesthetic.

Musical leadership was provided by Maxime Pascal, with Jeremy Bines appearing as the conductor of the World Parliament. The production is described as a massive “sound cinema” experience, utilizing sophisticated video technology and projections to bring Stockhausen’s intricate musical formulas to life.