Copenhagen is renowned for being northern Europe’s largest festival and concert city and with numerous events such as jazz, pop, film and ballet happening at any one time, it’s no surprise that the city has this title.
The latest offering from this concert-loving town is an event that is sure to attract plenty of people, especially because unlike so many others, this concert is free!
Last year no less than 140,000 people were present when the Royal Danish Theatre presented their ‘Open Air Opera’ concert at Rosenborg Castle in the centre of the city. And they are coming back again this year with one free concert on Saturday August 18 that is sure to be a crowd pleaser.
This yearly event gives people the opportunity to enjoy opera and ballet in the open air and under the stars – all the while taking place in the beautiful and green surroundings of Rosenborg Castle.
Coinciding with the opening of the company’s new season, this concert will be a chance for people to experience highlights from the upcoming season, including works by Puccini, Verdi, Mozart and Lehàr.
With a running time of approximately three hours, including an intermission, it really is a great reason to embrace the big outdoors outside, grab a picnic blanket, food, beverages and some good company, whilst enjoying this historical place with a one-off special performance.
Throughout the evening there will be performances from not only the Royal Danish Opera but also the Royal Danish Ballet, their theatre’s drama department, as well as the Royal Danish Orchestra.
Overseeing the whole concert will be Italian conductor Giuliano Carella. Since making his debut in 1987, Carella has led operatic productions at some of the most prestigious venues around the world, in a wide range of repertoire from Paisiello to Ferrero, and all the most important works in the Italian and French repertoire.
Hundreds of performers from The Royal Danish Theatre will take to the stage to bring you the amazing spectacle that is ‘Open Air Opera’ at Rosenborg. While the Royal Danish Opera, which has since 1990 made a consistent effort to promote opera in an international context, have a large ensemble of gifted soloists, many of whom pursue successful careers in opera houses all over the world.
And don’t miss the Royal Danish Orchestra, which is the world’s oldest orchestra of its kind. No other orchestra can boast a history so long and rich in tradition – it dates back to 1448.
The Royal Danish Ballet will also be in attendance and in maintaining their company’s contemporary feel, they may very well dance anything – from Bournonville to barefoot stomps, from the abstract works of Balanchine to the action-packed, full-length performances of John Neumeier.
Being one of the few theatres in the world where opera, ballet, drama and concerts are produced by the same institution, this open-air concert really is a must for lovers of the arts, and if nothing else, fresh air and a good time.
Rosenborg Castle, Øster Voldgade 4A, Cph K; all day on Saturday Aug 18; free adm; www.kglteater.dk
