We are pleased to be involved in this first ever baroque opera to be staged in the main theatre of the Salzburg Festival. Handel’s Theodora formed yesterdays opening of the festival. In this press photo you will get an idea of the impressive staging. The Klop organ featured on stage is used in the third act when an organ concerto forms part of the inspired staging. A second organ and two Kalsbeek Italian harpsichords add to the fine orchestral sound. The preparation of the instruments is critical in ensuring that good tuning is ensured for the length of the performance. The instrument on stage has to be in perfect accord with the orchestra some three hours into the performance. We take temperature readings for days during the rehearsal period in order that we can “untune” the instrument by the correct amount. (Organ pitch changes 0.73Hz per 1 degree C.) We remain in close contact with the heating engineers of the festival. They are in turn limited by the resources at their disposal to control the atmosphere of three large performance areas. It’s nice when it all works but there are times when we have to revert to “plan B”. (controlled panic). The gigantic instrument in the background is a cleverly constructed (by the festival) facade. We have nine instruments at the festival this year and they feature in Cosi, Nozze, Armida and Theodora as well as Mozart Matinees in the Mozarteum. Full details of these productions as well as other photographs from Monika Rittershaus can be found at the Salzburg link above.

2009-08-19.  Having completed our last rehearsal (for Armida), we are looking forward to the Premier tomorrow and the final two weeks during which all the productions involving our instruments will be performed.  During this time there is usually a change of weather, but this year the summer is still here and with 29c + to proove it!