Work of the Week – Ludger Vollmer: Frühlings Erwachen

On 19 June 2025, Ludger Vollmer’s new opera Frühlings Erwachen (“Spring Awakening”) will have its world premiere at Kampnagel in Hamburg. The production is a collaboration between Hamburg State Opera and the Philharmonic State Orchestra, joined by youth ensembles The Young ClassX, the Alsterspatzen children’s choir, and the Felix Mendelssohn Youth Orchestra. Luiz de Godoy conducts, with stage direction by Neco Çelik and a libretto by Martin G. Berger.

A classic reimagined

The opera is based on Frank Wedekind’s 1891 play Spring Awakening, a milestone in modern theatre. Berger’s adaptation relocates the story to present-day Hamburg. At its core: the taboo surrounding adolescent sexuality and the emotional and social consequences of its repression. The production of Frühlings Erwachen is participatory—many performers are teenagers who contribute their own experiences. Composer Ludger Vollmer describes the process as deeply moving, with “eruptive dynamics” already emerging during rehearsals.

Expressive music with a message

Vollmer’s musical language is powerful and emotionally direct. He often explores political and social issues, as in Gegen die Wand (after Fatih Akin’s film) or Crusades, which became the most successful production at Freiburg Theatre in the 2017/18 season. Operas like Border or Die Räuber_Rap’n Breakdance Opera showcase his ability to merge genres and address pressing topics on the operatic stage.

We want your opinion

Do you know Wedekind’s Spring Awakening and are you curious about its operatic adaptation? What do you think of the participatory approach and modern setting? Share your thoughts under the hashtag #workoftheweek or get in touch via our social channels!

Learn more

Composer profile Ludger Vollmer

Frühlings Erwachen: Work page and Online Score

Event page at Staatsoper Hamburg

_{illustration: Christiane Weber, Simon/Adobe, Gastan Alvarendra/Adobe}