Short Introduction Salome

Conductor Omer Mei Wellber: „Richard Strauss' ‘Salome’ is closely linked to the history of the Volksoper. The first Viennese premiere of this masterpiece took place in 1910 at the Volksoper. The then-conductor Alexander Zemlinsky conducted the performance, and I am very pleased to be able to follow in his footsteps in our anniversary season. We are presenting ‘Salome’ in the legendary Salzburg production by Luc Bondy, which is now being staged at our house by Marie-Louise Bischofberger-Bondy. In the set design by Erich Wonder, Viennese salon elegance meets an archaic world. The king's daughter Salome is repulsed by the decadence of her surroundings. She is fascinated by the chastity of the prophet Jochanaan, who is being held captive by her stepfather. Herod wants Salome to dance for him and promises her everything she desires. Influenced by her mother Herodias, Salome demands a high price: the head of the prophet! Vienna is the world city of music with the greatest musical diversity, but only here at the Volksoper can you experience 'Salome' as Strauss and Zemlinsky envisioned it.”