Widukind Opera - open air on the banks of the Weser in Höxter

Charlemagne and Widukind are legendary adversaries - the Christian king of the Franks against the Saxon nobleman who led the pagan Saxons in their guerrilla warfare. At the end of this duel, the first peace treaty in the history of Northern Europe was signed. The story from the early Middle Ages provided the material for a modern opera, which will be performed in Höxter at the end of August - open air on a stage high above the Weser.

A musical experience for opera fans and newcomers alike
Widukind is a highly exciting figure: his legendary life story inspired the opera, which goes far beyond gruesome battles in terms of content. Widukind stands on the eve of a turning point. The world as he knew it has ceased to exist. Charles resolutely pursues his mission to impose the Christian faith on the Saxons. The Saxon duke realizes that it would make little sense to continue fighting against the superior strength of the Franks and risk endless bloodshed. He can and will no longer ignore the number of dead in the brutal war. In many conversations, his wife Geva opens his eyes to the new world view. This is how the opera tells the story. Because only the author has told it like this, but it cannot be taken from the sources in this way.

The Widukind opera is an impressive plea for understanding and the victory of reason over violence. It is performed in the open air.

The revival on the Weserscholle is a project off the beaten track, in which the classical genre is interpreted in a modern way: Involved are the project choir with singers from the region, international soloists, the breakdancers "The Last Action Heroes" from Bad Oeynhausen as Franconian fighters and the Detmold Chamber Orchestra conducted by Olivia Lee-Gundermann (Dortmund). Birgit Kronshage, also from Detmold, is responsible for the text and direction. The ensemble of the approximately two-hour "Widukind" opera includes 50 performers.

The joint project by Engeraner and Höxteraner is sponsored by the LWL Cultural Foundation as part of the cultural program for the anniversary year 2025 "1250 Years of Westphalia".

Tickets for the performances on 23, 24, 30 and 31 August (admission 6 pm/start 7 pm) are available now.