Appearance versus reality
Ľubica Čekovská‘s opera “Dorian Gray” in Annaberg-Buchholz
What is the secret of eternal youth? Ľubica Čekovská’s operatic version of Oscar Wilde’s timelessly relevant story about appearance versus reality receives its premiere on 18 April 2026 in the Eduard-von-Winterstein-Theater in Annaberg-Buchholz. The opera “Dorian Gray” to a libretto by Kate Pullinger was premiered in 2013 in Bratislava. Now it is being performed for the first time in Annaberg-Buchholz in a reduced version with a German translation by Samuel C. Zinsli. At the centre stands the title figure, torn between two worlds: the bright, glamorous society and the dark, shadowy underworld of the London docks with its depths of sex, drugs and gambling. “Dorian belongs to two separate worlds”, says the librettist, “this dualism shapes the entire libretto of the opera.” The conductor is Dieter Klug, and producer is Vera Nemirova. Ľubica Čekovská’s music can also be heard in Erfurt: on 2 and 3 April 2026 the Erfurt Philharmonic Orchestra performs “Adorations” conducted by Christopher Ward. (Photo Čekovská: Nelya Agdeeva)
18.4.2026 Annaberg-Buchholz (Theatre)
Ľubica Čekovská: Dorian Gray. Opera in three acts. Reduced version. Libretto by Kate Pullinger. Based on Oscar Wilde‘s “The Picture of Dorian Gray”
Conductor: Dieter Klug, Director: Vera Nemirova
Following performances: 22.4., 2.5., 10.5., 15.5.2026
Information: www.erzgebirgische.theater
