04 Feb 2026, 19:30 The Center, Europa Hall (Äußere Badstr. 7a, 95448 Bayreuth)
Evgeni Orkin (*1977)
Mendele Lohengrin (2025) A Klezmer Singspiel based on the story of the same name by Heinrich York-Steiner (1898) Commissioned composition by JCOM
Ethel Merhaut, singer
Stefan Merki, actor Daniel Grossmann, conductor
Martin Valdés-Stauber, libretto Constanze Negwer, scenic design
JEWISH A poor Jewish musician, who earns a meager living performing at weddings, fulfills a dream: with his hard-earned savings, he treats himself to a visit to the Imperial Court Theater in Vienna. By chance, he hears Wagner's 'Lohengrin'—without any prior knowledge. The opera changes his life: back in his shtetl, he wants to play only Wagner's melodies at Jewish festivals, not the traditional ones—which naturally leads to a conflict.
TODAY We too must ask ourselves the questions that moved Mendele: "What does music have to do with the Jews or the Christians? [. . .] Is music kosher? Is a melody accurate? Do you have to salt and wash the notes? Do you have to snare a fiddle?" Sexists, racists, anti-Semites: how do we experience art today whose creators had political or social views that we do not share?
FOR ALL An entertaining story with music ranging from Klezmer to Wagner and the present day. A charismatic actor and a captivating singer. Plus, the diverse JCOM ensemble under Daniel Grossmann. Funny, sad, and thoughtful moments. This can only be a successful evening!
