“Stephanie Houtzeel proved capable of effortless vocal power as well as the finest dynamic shadings. The richly stylish musicality was matched by terrific stage presence.”
— The Baltimore Sun
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Until recently, there were many musical occasions, milestones and anniversaries to celebrate here in Vienna. I celebrated my first ten years at the Vienna State Opera, the Vienna Opera itself was toasting its 150th Anniversary, it was the year of Beethoven's 250th Birthday and I had the enormous privilege of singing the title role in Vienna's 1000th performance of Der Rosenkavalier.
I also sang one of the greatest Handel roles, Ariodante, at the Staatsoper and I made my first venture into musical theater; debuting at the Vienna Volksoper as Nettie Fowler in Rodgers and Hammerstein's Carousel. In the midst of so much joy, who could have predicted all would come to a complete standstill?
It might seem frivolous to be thinking about performing, in the midst of a terrible pandemic. But maybe, in this time of crisis, a great measure of relief and uplift can come from appreciating music and art, in whatever way we can; be it singing from our balconies, streaming our favorite operas or digging up favorite albums by the artists who inspire us.
I had been so looking forward to more milestones this season: my role debut as Die Dame in Hindemith's Cardillac, participating in the brand new Ring at Bayreuth... Perhaps my biggest regret is not being able to sing Mahler's Das Lied von der Erde at the styriarte Festival on Easter Sunday - simply for all the reflection that work inspires, on life, nature, salvation....but this festival, like so many others, is not going away - it's all just 'put on hold' - until we can meet, on the world's concert and opera stages, to make joyous music again.
Take care - thanks for visiting! With warmest wishes, Stephanie
Performances
Upcoming
June 28, 2020
(Cancelled due to COVID-19)
Gala Concert celebrating the
Era of Dominique Meyer
Vienna State Opera
www.wiener-staatsoper.at
July 19, 2020
Schubertiade!
with Florian Birsak, Fortepiano
styriarte Festival
www.styriarte.com
July 27, August 8, 17 & 24, 2020
(Cancelled)
Das Rheingold (Wellgunde)
August 1, 13 & 29, 2020
(Cancelled)
Götterdämmerung (Wellgunde)
Pietari Inkinen, Conductor
Bayreuther Festspiele
www.bayreuther-festspiele.de
September 8, 11, 19, 22, 2020
Elektra (Dritte Magd)
Franz Welser-Möst, Conductor
Vienna State Opera
www.wiener-staatsoper.at
September 23 & 25, 2020
Beethoven C-Major Mass (Alto)
Wiener Akademie Orchester
Martin Haselböck, Conductor
www.orchesterwienerakademie.at
November 17, 20, 23, 26, 2020
Arabella (Adelaide)
Sebastian Weigle, Conductor
Vienna State Opera
www.wiener-staatsoper.at
November 30, 2020
Liederabend with Charles Spencer
Songs of the Seasons featuring Schubert, Brahms, Wolf,
Mahler and Korngold
Brucknerhaus Linz
December 12, 2020
Götterdämmerung (2. Norn)
Jaap van Zweden, Conductor
Concertgebouw, Amsterdam
www.concertgebouw.nl
December 27, 2020 &
January 2, 2021
Hänsel und Gretel (Gertrud)
Cornelius Meister, Conductor
Vienna State Opera
www.wiener-staatsoper.at
December 31, 2020 &
January 3, 5, 2021
Die Fledermaus (Prince Orlofsky)
Cornelius Meister, Conductor
Vienna State Opera
www.wiener-staatsoper.at
To be continued...
Due to the COVID-19 crisis, cultural institutions have been forced to delay their 2021 season announcements. Please watch this space! I look forward to wonderful projects in 2021 including a longer tour of Prinz Orlofsky in Die Fledermaus. This year's planned Das Lied von der Erde, cancelled due to the crisis, will be re-programmed for next Spring. Further appearances in the repertoire of Wagner, Jommelli, Mozart, Strauss will be rolled out here soon...
