Dresden (dpa / sn) – Discontent at the Semperoper Dresden: On Monday, director Peter Theiler objected to representations by chief conductor Christian Thielemann and the orchestra board of the Staatskapelle, hindering their work in the corona pandemic. Thielemann said in a report in the “Dresdner Neuesten Nachrichten” on Monday: “You will not believe how disappointed I am that an orchestra like the Staatskapelle is not allowed to play and that there has been no more effort at our house because something to enable. ” At the same time, orchestra board member Holger Grohs was quoted with reference to the Corona rules with the words: “An artistic director should enable culture within the framework of these provisions, not prevent it.”
Theiler reacted clearly and spoke of “complete misrepresentation and lack of insight”. When Saxony issued a new protection ordinance on January 8th in view of the dramatically high number of infections, he told Thielemann again that rehearsals for Richard Strauss’ “Heldenleben” with 100 musicians on stage would not be advisable in such a situation and that it would be better to get on a smaller project – as others do in Germany – should restrict: “There was no understanding, that’s why I canceled the rehearsal. After all, as the director, I have responsibility for the life and limb of my employees.” Reason must precede emotional impatience, “even if I want to have all the artists back on stage and in the orchestra pit as soon as possible so that things can start again soon.”
“In the crisis the true face of loyalty reveals itself”, Theiler told the German press agency: “I appeal to reason, to solidarity and ask for support for the attitude of the management.” People’s health is a great good. There is also no uniform opinion in the orchestra and people who are afraid. The choir was relieved that the rehearsals for Verdi’s “Attila” had been canceled: “In an opera house, many people from many different trades have to work together. The risk of infection is high.” It is paradoxical if, on the one hand, the audience is not allowed into the hall to protect them, and, on the other hand, the entire opera house is supposed to come together for rehearsals.
“I have a duty of care for all employees. If I don’t take it seriously, I’m doing my job wrong,” says Theiler. It would be an exaggeration to assume that this would destroy art: “Everyone wants to play, everyone wants to dance, everyone wants to sing. Everyone wants to implement their visions, including the director.” However, it is important to consider the risks of the pandemic and it makes no sense to persevere in such a situation. “You have to develop an awareness of reality and put your own interests aside. To accuse the director of art disability in view of the alarming Corona incidence figures is actually an insult.”
Five musicians from the Staatskapelle wanted to file an injunction before the labor court in Dresden. The court rejected that. The appeal hearing at the Chemnitz Regional Labor Court is scheduled for March 31.
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