THE FAIRY QUEEN 2026

A successful Campus Augarten production returns to the stage. In Henry Purcell’s semi-opera “The Fairy Queen”, Chorus Juventus and the Vienna Girls Choir once again demonstrate their vocal talents and acting ability. The experienced partnership of Barbara Palmetzhofer (director) and Johannes Pell (conductor), who have premiered many productions together,  are also on the team.

Titania, the Fairy Queen; singing and dancing fairies; spirits of the night, of sleep and of mystery; a singing poet; the farm couple Mopsa and Corydon; the journeyman Zettel; young lovers searching for one another, and many other figures besides, all find themselves in the forest on a mild summer night. Chaos is inevitable. But what role will that wily  sprite Puck play in all this?

In 1692, when Henry Purcell wrote his masque, or semi-opera, “The Fairy Queen”, its connection to William Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” was more than obvious to audiences. Over time, however, the focus shifted increasingly towards the music and away from the original text. Our production returns to the roots of the masque: it combines Purcell’s beautiful music with scenes from Shakespeare’s play in order to bring the story back to life.

Accompanied by an instrumental ensemble, pupils from the upper secondary school of the Vienna Boys Choir, the Vienna Girls’ Choir, and students from the Music and Arts University of the City of Vienna sing, act and dance Henry Purcell’s popular semi-opera, in this abridged and adapted version.

A Campus Augarten production.

Suitable for ages 6 and over.