Ópera de Tenerife presents Der Diktator and Der Kaiser von Atlantis, a double programme in concert version to be performed on Saturday, the 14th at 7:30 pm in Auditorio de Tenerife’s Sala Sinfónica. This event consists of two operas that were written by Austrian composers in the first half of the 20th century. Through sarcasm they deal with the issue of totalitarian power.

Maestro Pedro Halffter, who is making his debut with Ópera de Tenerife, will be the musical director of this production by Sinfónica de Tenerife. The show features the voices of Bruno Taddia, baritone; Melody Louledjian, soprano; César Arrieta, tenor; Carmen Acosta, soprano; Nicolò Donini, bass; David Astorga, tenor; Francisco Crespo, bass; and Laura Verrecchia, mezzo soprano.

When Ernst Krenek composed Der Diktator (The Dictator) in 1928 fascism already ruled in Italy and it would soon reach Germany. This tragic opera in one act with music and libretto in German by Ernst Krenek, premiered at Hessisches Staatstheater in Wiesbaden on 6 May 1928. This short work with a tremendous rhythm and composed in a melodic style, portrays the irresistible attraction of populist power, represented by a character who many thought to be inspired by Mussolini.

Der Kaiser von Atlantis (The Emperor of Atlantis) is a one-act opera with music by Austrian composer Viktor Ullmann and libretto in German by poet Peter Kien. It was composed in 1943 while at Theresienstadt concentration camp in the Czech Republic, where they were both taken because of their Jewish origin.   The work, which has certain elements of Viennese Expressionism, is about a tyrant -satirical portrait of Hitler- who is leading humanity to a cruel massacre, pushing Death himself to go on strike.  Ullmann died in a gas chamber at Auschwitz-Birkenau. Der Kaiser von Atlantis was premiered in Amsterdam in 1975.

Maestro Halffter has been artistic director at Teatro de la Maestranza in Seville, Real Orquesta Sinfónica de Sevilla, Orquesta Filarmónica de Gran Canaria, principal guest conductor at the Nürnberger Symphoniker and principal conductor of the Bayreuth Festival Youth Orchestra. Other orchestras he has led include London Philharmonia Orchestra, Symphonieorchester des Bayerischen Rundfunks, Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin, Staatskapelle Berlin, Dresdner Philharmonie and the main Spanish orchestras.

Tickets can be purchased at Auditorio de Tenerife box office from 10:00 am to 7:30 pm, Monday to Saturday except holidays; calling 902 317 327 or clicking here