Ever wondered what Wagner would sound like in a laundromat? The Pocket Opera Company in Nuremberg can tell you. Right here before you stands Germany’s oldest independent opera company a true legend in the world of unconventional performance.
Founded in 1974 by Peter Beat Wyrsch and David Seaman the Pocket Opera Company was born from a desire to break free from the stuffy traditions of traditional opera houses. They envisioned an opera for the people a vibrant and accessible art form. Their rebellious spirit led them to stage productions in the most unexpected places. Imagine Verdi on a lake or Wagner in a laundromat. These weren’t just performances they were events.
The Pocket Opera Company’s name itself is a tribute to the traveling opera companies of the past who carried all their equipment in a single pocket. This spirit of portability and adaptability remains at the heart of the company’s identity. Their innovative productions have earned them international acclaim. From New York City to Siberia they have captivated audiences worldwide.
The company’s repertoire is diverse and daring. They’ve tackled Wagner’s Ring cycle in a single evening a feat that’s truly remarkable. They’ve also championed lesser-known works like Heinrich Marschner’s Der Vampyr and have premiered contemporary operas by composers such as Mauricio Kagel Heiner Goebbels and Philip Glass. This is not just opera it’s a fusion of art forms blending traditional opera with slam poetry breakdance and even parkour.
The Pocket Opera Company has attracted renowned singers like Wolfgang Schmidt and Elizabeth Kingdon. Kingdon a legendary prima donna and honorary president of the company sadly passed away recently. Her vibrant performances and tongue-in-cheek style will be forever remembered. To honor her legacy the company has made recordings of her last performance available online.
In 2003 Franz Killer became the musical director taking the reins from David Seaman. In 2007 he also assumed the artistic directorship from Peter Beat Wyrsch. Under his leadership the Pocket Opera Company continued to push boundaries. They staged Peter von Winter’s La Grotta di Calypso in an old swimming pool with singers swimming and diving. They are known for their unique ability to discover unexpected venues for their performances. This commitment to unconventional spaces remains a defining feature of the Pocket Opera Company. Their goal remains to bring opera to everyone regardless of background or location. They truly believe opera is everywhere and it’s here to stay.