Le Grand Macabre
“Elbphilharmonie Hamburg”
Synopsis
“An exhilarating success, a brilliant presentation of Ligeti's commanding score and a disarming production.” This was the verdict of the New York Times after three sold-out performances of György Ligeti's opera “Le Grand Macabre”, with which Alan Gilbert, in collaboration with director Doug Fitch, brought this milestone of modern music theater to New York for the first time in May 2010. For the Hamburg International Music Festival - which focuses on Ligeti's music - the NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchestra is now bringing the highly acclaimed production to Hamburg in a version adapted for the Elbphilharmonie. “Le Grand Macabre” is a grotesque parable on the downfall of humanity, ‘an opera about the existential crisis in the modern world, about the search for the meaning of life - with all its nonsense and craziness’, states Alan Gilbert. It is no coincidence that this pitch-black musical theater spectacle is the most frequently performed contemporary opera in the world.
Top Cast
Explore Star Directory →Elizabeth Watts
Amanda
Marta Fontanals-Simmons
Amando
Mark Schowalter
Piet vom Fass
Mark Schowalter
Nekrotzar
Wilbur Pauley
Astradamors
Heidi Melton
Mescalina
Claire de Sévigné
Venus
Anthony Roth Costanzo
Duke Go-Go
John Relyea
Black Minister
Andrew Dickinson
White Minister
Audrey Luna
Head of the Gestapo
Rob Besserer
Atmosphericist
Alan Gilbert
Conductor
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Doug Fitch
- Screenplay & Story
- György Ligeti
- Original Title
- Le Grand Macabre
- Country of Origin
- Germany
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 2h 1m
- Production Studios
- Elbphilharmonie Hamburg
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Doug Fitch
György Ligeti
Department Leadership Roster
György Ligeti
Writer
Doug Fitch
Director
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Le Grand Macabre.
More Like Le Grand Macabre
Recommended titles matching themes, cast, and genres.
Frequently Asked Questions About Le Grand Macabre
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Le Grand Macabre about?
“An exhilarating success, a brilliant presentation of Ligeti's commanding score and a disarming production.” This was the verdict of the New York Times after three sold-out performances of György Ligeti's opera “Le Grand Macabre”, with which Alan Gilbert, in collaboration with director Doug Fitch, brought this milestone of modern music theater to New York for the first time in May 2010. For the Hamburg International Music Festival - which focuses on Ligeti's music - the NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchestra is now bringing the highly acclaimed production to Hamburg in a version adapted for the Elbphilharmonie. “Le Grand Macabre” is a grotesque parable on the downfall of humanity, ‘an opera about the existential crisis in the modern world, about the search for the meaning of life - with all its nonsense and craziness’, states Alan Gilbert. It is no coincidence that this pitch-black musical theater spectacle is the most frequently performed contemporary opera in the world.
Who directed Le Grand Macabre?
Le Grand Macabre was directed by Doug Fitch.
Who stars in Le Grand Macabre?
The principal cast of Le Grand Macabre includes Elizabeth Watts, Marta Fontanals-Simmons, Mark Schowalter, Mark Schowalter, Wilbur Pauley.
When was Le Grand Macabre released and how long is it?
Le Grand Macabre was released in 2019 with a total runtime of 2h 1m.