Liebesduett der Herzen (Love Duet of the Hearts)

Act 1: Die Wurzeln der Leidenschaft (The Roots of Passion)

Setting: Austria (Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck, Hallstatt, Festung Hohensalzburg, Burg Liechtenstein, Burg Hohenwerfen, Burg Hochosterwitz & Burg Riegersburg) | London, UK | Paris, France

• Helena Kofler begins her opera training at the Vienna Opera House. She is passionate but struggles with her father's traditional expectations.

• Heinfried Falkenrath, a tenor from Salzburg, meets Helena at a regional competition; sparks fly but tensions rise due to personal ambitions.

• Katrin Degenhardt is introduced as Helena's primary rival at the opera school, subtle in her sabotage.

• Opa Josef Kofler grounds Helena in her family’s musical legacy, sharing stories from Hallstatt’s past.

• Ludwig & Ingrid Kofler worry about Helena's ambitions; Ingrid supports her quietly.

• Hermann Kofler explores a romance with Else Koch, a vibrant dance teacher visiting from Vienna.

• Opa Engelbert Falkenrath pressures Heinfried to uphold Salzburg’s musical prestige.

• Dietrich & Franziska Falkenrath argue about Heinfried’s path – law vs. opera.

• Therese Falkenrath studies folk music, inspired by Leonie Fischer, who teaches her traditional songs.

• Marika Goldstein returns from Paris, helping Helena shape her technique and confidence.

• Renate Reisinger, the costume designer, notices Helena's expressive style and helps refine her stage presence, emphasizing the visual aspects of perfomance.

• First major duets between Helena and Heinfried in London and Edinburgh deepen their connection. 

• After Heinfried and Helena's duet perfomance at Dublin, Lukas Schreiber bonds with him, nudging him to dream bigger and travel abroad.

• Helena and Marika's duet in Palais Garnier ignites Helena's artistic voice.

• Helena and Heinfried's passionate romance begins in Paris. 

• Helena and Heinfried's perfomances continue  in Festung Liechtenstein, Burg Hohenwerfen, Burg Hochosterwitz and Burg Riegersburg.  

• Herr Otto Brandt notices Helena’s potential but warns her about the political nature of opera.

• Maximilian “Max” Baumgartner becomes intrigued by Helena’s talent, choosing her over Katrin in a key rehearsal.

• Erich Weiss offers Heinfried philosophical guidance at Melodie am See, his café in Hallstatt.

• Grete Müller urges Heinfried to pursue music with integrity.

• Wilhelmina Großmann becomes Helena’s vocal mentor, teaching her to cope with Katrin’s tactics.

• Siegfried Baum provides historical context on Austrian music through visits to castles and ruins.

• Walburga Lang shares ancient Hallstatt musical lore with the Koflers.

• Roswitha Leitner advocates for local musical education, encouraging Helena’s outreach.

• Tobias Lenz, a poet-boatman, pens verses inspired by Helena, symbolizing quiet admiration.

Act 2: Scheidewege des Ehrgeizes (Crossroads of Ambition)

Setting: Austria (Vienna & Salzburg) | Germany (Berlin, Frankfurt, Munich, Heidelberg & Leipzig) | Prague, Czechia | Budapest, Hungary | Madrid, Spain | Lisbon, Portugal

• Helena begins to rise in prominence; Katrin escalates her manipulation to undermine her.

• Heinfried is torn between staying loyal to his family and pursuing international opportunities.

• Max is pressured by the opera house to cast Katrin for a major role, creating tension with Helena.

• Lukas convinces Heinfried to join him in traveling Europe, singing in competitions (Germany and Prague) and bars (Madrid and Lisbon).

• Marika invites Helena to Paris for coaching but warns her about losing her emotional depth to ambition.

• Hermann’s romance with Else hits a snag when she is offered a touring dance contract.

• Anton Reiter in Salzburg criticizes modern approaches in opera, challenging both Heinfried and Helena artistically.

• Erwin Bauer offers tough-love training in Innsbruck, pushing Helena beyond her limits.

• Franziska visits Helena in Vienna and gives motherly wisdom: “Ehrgeiz darf niemals die Seele ersetzen" (Ambition must never replace soul).

• Therese sings in Budapest under Leonie's guidance, showcasing traditional music.

• Katrin manipulates media and rumors, casting doubts on Helena's personal life and professionalism.

• Otto Brandt suspends both sopranos temporarily to avoid scandal.

• Siegfried Baum travels with Helena and shares how artists of the past survived adversity.

• Grete Müller helps Heinfried reclaim his voice through intimate violin-tenor collaborations.

Act 3: Das Echo des Erbes (The Echo of Heritage)

Setting: Italy (Rome, Pisa, Florence, Milan, Venice & Verona) | Switzerland (Zürich, Lucerne, Interlaken, Zermatt, Grindelwald, Gstaad, Davos, St. Moritz, Geneva & Montreux) | Austria (Innsbruck & Hallstatt)

• Helena tours Italy and Switzerland with Marika, rediscovering opera's soul in the ruins and conservatories.

• Heinfried trains with Grete and local artists in Zermatt and Florence, regaining purpose.

• Max secretly travels to Milan to support Helena during a tough performance.

• Lukas documents Heinfried’s journey through blogs and videos, drawing attention to his raw talent.

• Katrin secures a spot in La Scala, but is haunted by emptiness despite her success.

• Opa Josef & Engelbert meet for the first time in Hallstatt, bridging the Kofler-Falkenrath family rift.

• Therese & Leonie perform a folk concert in Geneva, highlighting Austrian roots abroad.

• Erwin Bauer writes a letter to Helena commending her growth and resilience.

• Wilhelmina Großmann reconnects with Helena in Florence, applauding her emotional depth.

• Walburga Lang gifts Helena an old folk score tied to her ancestors, which Helena adapts into a modern aria.

• Felix Gruber, a jazz pianist in Hallstatt, collaborates with Helena for a fusion recital, renewing her joy in music.

• Roswitha & Tobias organize a children's opera workshop in Hallstatt, inspired by Helena’s legacy.

Act 4: Der Ruf der Welt (The Call of the World)

Setting: New York, USA | Mexico (Mexico City, Cancún & Tulum) | Cape Town, South Africa | Tokyo, Japan | Greece (Athens & Santorini)

• Helena performs in New York and collaborates with global artists, evolving into a fusion soprano.

• Heinfried sings in Mexico City, connecting with raw, emotional singing traditions.

• Lukas leads their journey into Cancún and Tulum, where Heinfried learns to let go of pressure.

• Katrin tries to reinvent herself in Tokyo, but faces a creative crisis.

• Max, now conducting globally, reunites with Helena in Cape Town; their romance rekindles.

• Marika visits from Paris to see Helena perform in Athens, reflecting on how far they’ve come.

• Felix's music reaches international ears thanks to Helena’s recommendation.

• Therese’s folk album becomes a niche hit in Japan, representing Austrian tradition worldwide.

• Anton, though initially skeptical, begins directing cross-cultural opera in Santorini, influenced by Helena’s journey.

Act 5: Die Rückkehr – Herzen im Einklang (The Return – Hearts in Harmony)

Setting: Denmark (Copenhagen & Kronborg Castle, Elsinore) | Austria (Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck & Hallstatt)

• Helena & Heinfried reunite at Kronborg Castle, staging a co-written opera blending their journeys.

• Katrin, defeated but reflective, retires to teach, passing her lessons on to younger singers.

• Max conducts the premiere of Helena and Heinfried’s opera in Vienna, earning critical acclaim.

• Otto Brandt formally offers Helena a principal contract, acknowledging her growth.

• Marika opens a school in Hallstatt named Die Akademie für Stimme und Steele, mentoring young artists.

• Hermann proposes to Else, who returns to settle down and start a dance academy.

• Opa Josef & Engelbert attend the premiere side by side, proud of their grandchildren.

• Therese & Leonie release a documentary on Austrian folk music.

• Lukas settles as an agent for young international talent, never losing his humor.

• Erich, still in Melodie am See, smiles as Helena and Heinfried sing impromptu in the village square.

• Walburga watches from a window as the music echoes across the lake, a fitting finale. 

Main Characters: 

• Helena Kofler (Female Lead): Passionate soprano from Vienna; ambitious and heartfelt.

• Heinfried Falkenrath (Male Lead): Sensitive tenor from Salzburg; torn between family expectations and his dreams.

• Katrin Degenhardt (Main Antagonist): Ambitious soprano and Helena’s rival; charismatic yet cunning

Supporting Characters:

• Opa Josef Kofler: Helena's wise grandfather, grounding Helena in family traditions.

• Ludwig Kofler: Helena’s father, traditional and cautious about her career.

• Ingrid Kofler: Helena's mother, supportive but protective.

• Hermann Kofler: Helena's twin brother, involved in another romance subplot.

• Opa Engelbert Falkenrath: Patriarch, Heinfried's grandfather who represents Salzburg heritage.

• Dietrich Falkenrath: Heinfried's father, expects Heinfried to follow family path.

• Franziska Falkenrath: Heinfried's mother, nurturing but practical.

• Therese Falkenrath: Heinfried's twin sister, learning traditional Austrian music.

• Marika Goldstein: Helena's childhood friend; a glamorous mezzo-soprano who now lives in Paris, where she works as a vocal coach. She serves as a guide for Helena, helping her find her voice in both music and love.

• Lukas Schreiber: Heinfried’s best friend who is loyal to a fault but can be a bit of a wildcard. Perhaps he’s the one who convinces Heinfried to travel to places like Mexico and New York, offering a comedic yet poignant sidekick role.

• Herr Otto Brandt:The stern but fair director of the Vienna Opera House. He has a soft spot for Helena but is cautious about office politics.

• Maximilian “Max” Baumgartner: A young, ambitious conductor who is caught in the middle of the drama between Helena and Katrin. He is quietly supportive of Helena. 

• Erich Weiss: A charming owner of Melodie am See and longtime family friend who offers refuge and advice to Heinfried during tough moments.

• Grete Müller: A passionate local violinist and friend of Heinfried, encouraging him to embrace his roots.

• Wilhelmina Großmann: A veteran contralto who is a mentor figure to Helena, teaching her the ropes of professional singing and dealing with rivalry.

• Siegfried Baum: An opera enthusiast and local historian, providing context and color about Austria’s rich musical heritage.

• Else Koch: A charismatic dance teacher who briefly entangles with Hermann, bringing a subplot of another romance.

• Anton Reiter: An old-school stage director in Salzburg, skeptical of modern methods but highly respected. He offers a contrasting perspective on opera production to the younger characters.

• Leonie Fischer: A passionate folklore singer from Salzburg who mentors Therese in traditional Austrian music, adding cultural depth and a subplot about preserving heritage.

• Erwin Bauer: A former opera singer turned vocal coach who runs a small but respected music academy in Innsbruck. He has a tough love approach, inspiring Helena to refine her technique during a pivotal moment.

• Walburga Lang: An elderly local historian and storyteller, who shares legends about Hallstatt’s musical past with the Kofler family, enriching their appreciation of Austrian culture.

• Felix Gruber: A young, idealistic jazz pianist who recently moved to Hallstatt, hoping to bring new music influences to the quiet town.

• Renate Reisinger: A pragmatic costume designer at the Vienna Opera

• Roswitha Leitner: Young schoolteacher and music advocate in Hallstatt

• Tobias Lenz: Boatman and quiet poet in Hallstatt

Setting: Austria (Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck, Hallstatt, Festung Hohensalzburg, Burg Liechtenstein, Burg Hohenwerfen, Burg Hochosterwitz & Burg Riegersburg) | Prague, Czechia | Budapest, Hungary | London, UK | Paris, France | Belgium (Brussels & Bruges) | Amsterdam, Netherlands | Germany (Berlin, Frankfurt, Munich, Heidelberg & Leipzig) | Switzerland (Zürich, Lucerne, Interlaken, Zermatt, Grindelwald, Gstaad, Davos, St. Moritz, Geneva & Montreux) | Italy (Rome, Pisa, Florence, Milan, Venice & Verona) | Madrid, Spain | Lisbon, Portugal | Greece (Athens & Santorini) | New York, USA | Mexico (Mexico City, Cancún & Tulum) | Cape Town, South Africa | Tokyo, Japan | Denmark (Copenhagen & Kronborg Castle, Elsinore)