The composer Fritz is trying to hunt down a mysterious »distant sound«; until he's found this artistic ideal he feels unworthy of Grete’s love. He leaves her and goes out into the world. After overcoming her initial decision to kill herself, Grete leaves home too. They meet again in a demimonde establishment in Venice; but when Fritz realises that Grete’s working as a high-class courtesan, he spurns her again ...

Franz Schreker‘s opera was an overnight success when it received its world premiere in Frankfurt 111 years ago. Now it’s back in Damiano Michieletto’s wonderful production: a deeply psychological intimate work with extravagant theatricality and a logical concept create a place for Schreker’s evocative music.

Ian Koziara will sing the role of Fritz.