Bayreuther Tannhäuser approaching fast: Who is Sebastian Baumgarten?

The other day I discussed the revival of Les Brigands at the Opéra Comique in Paris, and I realized that a German version of this work [well, "inspired by this work", would be more accurate a statement ;)] was produced last year at the Theater Neumarkt in Zurich by Sebastian Baumgarten -- yes, the same guy who is in charge of this year's opening show of the 100th Bayreuther Festspiele, Tannhäuser, to be premiered on July 25.

Baumgarten (photo Nordbayerischer Kurier)

Bayreuth 2011, Bregenz 2011

It looks strange to see the Bayreuth Festival program without The Ring of the Nibelung on it. You may already consult the program of the Festival in Bayreuth 2011. We note:

• New production of Tannhäuser directed by Sebastien Baumgarten [Berlin native who developed his skills at a small theater in Kassel, recently produced Werther for Deutsche Oper Berlin, and Orest for Komische Oper], and with Thomas Hengelbrock [excellent in Mozart - hopefully good in Tannhäuser too]

• Tristan und Isolde directed by Christoph Marthaler will be back on in 2011. If you decide to see it on DVD, please do try and see it more than once -- it is necessary. I would also suggest a chapter written by Slavoj Zizek in "In Search of Wagner" because they both [Marthaler and Zizek] opened a new view on Tristan.  
• Stefan Herheim's historic production of Parsifal will be back, as well as the Neuenfels' Lohengrin - rats! Ah yes, Die Meistersinger will be getting more tired in their last run next year [Rise your hand if you liked this production! - What? Nobody?!]

In Bregenz, instead, they will present a new production of Andrea Chénier on their big stage [to replace Aida that was on for last two years] floating on the lake Konstanz. The show will be directed by Keith Wariner [who'll also replace Kasper Holten as artistic director of the Danish National Opera in July 2011]. Their indoor opera next year will be Miss Fortune (Achterbahn), a new opera composed by Judith Weir, co-produced with the Royal Opera, CG. The show will be directed by Shi-Zheng Chen, and Paul Daniel will conduct.