Die Stimme der Leidenschaft (The Voice of Passion)

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

Settings: Vienna, Salzburg & Hallstatt (Austria) | London & Edinburgh (UK) | Dublin (Ireland) | Paris & Strasbourg (France) | Brussels & Bruges (Belgium) | Amsterdam (Netherlands)

• Heidi Köhler, a passionate and gifted soprano, begins her opera journey at the Vienna's Hofburg Opernhaus, torn between her artistic calling and the conservative expectations of her father, Ludwig.

• At a regional competition in Salzburg, Heidi meets Friedrich Faßmann, a charismatic and ambitious tenor. Their initial collaboration is magnetic but complicated by a sense of rivalry.

• Katrin Schneider, a cunning soprano rival, subtly undermines Heidi, sowing seeds of self-doubt and contributing to the toxic undercurrents of the competitive opera world.

• Heidi’s grandfather, Opa Josef, connects her to their Hallstatt musical roots, grounding her in the family’s heritage and Austrian folk tradition.

• Ingrid, Heidi’s mother, quietly supports her, while her twin brother Rudolf provides comic relief and mirrors Heidi’s emotional journey through his romance with Gretel Kofler, a charismatic dance teacher.

• Friedrich’s lineage carries weight as well: Opa Engelbert pressures him to uphold the Faßmann family’s operatic legacy. His parents, Dietrich and Franziska, remain divided between law and music.

• Friedrich’s twin sister, Klara, finds joy in Austrian folk music, guided by her mentor Leopoldine Fischer, choosing a path apart from high opera.

• Viktoria Moser provides a warm, grounding space at her café Kaffeekunst where Heidi and Friedrich find emotional support amid the pressures of their musical careers.

• Marika Goldstein, Heidi’s stylish Paris-trained friend, and Anna Reisinger, a perceptive costume designer, help Heidi blossom both personally and professionally.

• Touring London, Edinburgh, and Dublin, Heidi and Friedrich’s bond deepens through shared performances, balancing artistic tension with growing emotional connection.

• In Paris, Heidi and Marika perform a transformative duet at the Palais Garnier, awakening Heidi’s expressive power.

• In Strasbourg, Heidi and Friedrich embark on a passionate love affair, deepening their emotional connection against the city’s romantic backdrop.

• In Amsterdam, the pair performs at a forward-thinking music festival, blending classical opera with contemporary elements—challenging tradition and captivating modern audiences.

• A tense interview in Brussels forces Heidi to articulate her artistic vision, while a tranquil boat ride in Bruges offers her and Friedrich space to reflect on their love and ambitions.

• Back in Vienna, director Otto Brandt warns Heidi of the opera world’s political intrigues.

• Rising conductor Maximilian “Max” Baumgartner chooses Heidi over Katrin in a pivotal rehearsal, intensifying the rivalry.

• Friedrich visits Karlheinz Weiss, a charming café owner at Melodie am See in Hallstatt, contemplating the meaning of music and art beyond applause.

• Magdalena Bachmann, a local violinist and Friedrich’s friend, inspires him to stay true to music’s emotional core, while Karolin Großmann, a veteran contralto, teaches Heidi how to rise above Katrin’s mind games.

• Siegfried Neumann, a music-loving historian, and Wilhelmina Lang, a local storyteller, weave Austria’s musical legacy into Heidi’s path.

• Stefanie Leitner champions Heidi’s outreach to youth, while Tobias Lenz, a poetic boatman, quietly admires her journey in verse.

Act 2: Scheidewege des Ehrgeizes (Crossroads of Ambition)

Settings: Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck, Graz & Linz (Austria) | Paris (France) | Berlin, Frankfurt, Munich, Heidelberg & Leipzig (Germany) | Prague (Czechia) | Budapest (Hungary) | Barcelona (Spain) | Lisbon (Portugal)

• Heidi’s rise across Europe is overshadowed by Katrin’s escalating sabotage, media manipulation, and behind-the-scenes smear campaigns.

• Friedrich feels torn between his familial obligations and his growing desire to explore beyond, especially as his popularity soars.

• Max is forced to promote Katrin, threatening both his integrity and his loyalty to Heidi.

• Guided by his friend Lukas Schreiber, Friedrich embarks on a European tour, performing in competitions (Berlin, Leipzig, and Prague) and in bars (Barcelona and Lisbon), where he discovers the raw authenticity of performance.

• In Graz, Heidi meets influential producer Nadine Höller, who becomes a guiding light, offering hard-won wisdom about maintaining artistic authenticity amidst industry pressures.

• Nadine advises Heidi on navigating the music industry’s politics without compromising her true artistic voice.

• A turning point in Linz sees Heidi reclaim her confidence and artistic voice after a crisis of self-doubt.

• In Paris, Marika warns Heidi: „Lass nicht zu, dass der Erfolg deine Seele begräbt“ (“Don’t let success bury your soul”).

• Rudolf and Gretel’s relationship is tested by a global dance opportunity, mirroring the challenges faced by Heidi and Friedrich.

• In Salzburg, veteran stage director Anton Reiter challenges the duo’s modern interpretations, forcing them to defend their artistic vision.

• In Innsbruck, Erwin Bauer, a strict vocal coach, pushes Heidi to her physical and emotional limits, while Pater Hans-Günther Vogel provides spiritual guidance, reminding her of the sacred nature of music beyond fame.

• Franziska visits Heidi and imparts heartfelt wisdom: „Ehrgeiz sollte niemals die Seele verdrängen“ (“Ambition should never displace the soul”).

• Klara shines in Budapest, performing Austrian folk music under Leopoldine’s guidance.

• Katrin’s media attacks in Vienna force Otto to suspend both sopranos, bringing their careers to a standstill at the Hofburg Opernhaus.

• Klara supports Heidi emotionally, encouraging her to stay true to her artistic roots and offering perspective on Katrin’s sabotage without directly confronting her.

• Heidi journeys with Siegfried through Frankfurt and Munich, gaining resilience from the stories of artists who rose from failure.

• In Heidelberg, Magdalena helps Friedrich rediscover his voice and emotional truth, bringing him healing and clarity.

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

Settings: Rome, Pisa, Florence, Milan, Venice & Verona (Italy) | Zürich, Lucerne, Interlaken, Zermatt, Grindelwald, Gstaad, Davos, St. Moritz, Geneva, Lausanne & Montreux (Switzerland) | Vienna, Hallstatt & Klagenfurt am Wörthersee (Austria)

• Heidi, Nadine, and Marika journey through Italy and Switzerland, rediscovering the spiritual essence of opera amid ancient ruins and prestigious conservatories.

• Max, secretly devoted to Heidi, supports her during a pivotal performance at La Scala in Milan.

• Heidi and Friedrich reunite on stage, singing alongside Magdalena’s violin, reconnecting with the profound, healing power of music.

• Lukas’ recordings of Friedrich’s grassroots journey begin to gain global recognition, earning him a heartfelt, international following.

• Katrin’s debut at La Scala feels hollow; her relentless ambition has cost her the joy she once found in music.

• In Klagenfurt am Wörthersee, long-standing family rifts are healed as Josef and Engelbert reconcile, finally uniting the family.

• Klara and Leopoldine’s concert in Geneva becomes a celebrated cultural bridge, seamlessly merging folk and classical traditions.

• Erwin sends Heidi a letter, acknowledging her personal growth and the depth of her artistic soul.

• Karolin reunites with Heidi in Florence, profoundly moved by her transformation.

• Wilhelmina gifts Heidi a mystical folk score, which Heidi adapts into a modern aria, blending heritage with innovation.

• Jazz pianist Felix Gruber joins Heidi in a genre-fusing performance, reigniting her creative spirit.

• In Hallstatt, Heidi mentors children through Leopoldine’s workshop, while Tobias documents the journey in verse.

• In Vienna, Heidi and Siegfried explore opera’s past and future, embracing her role as both heir and innovator.

• Viktoria offers Heidi emotional guidance and practical advice, encouraging her to stay grounded, honor her roots, and balance artistic ambition with personal authenticity amid her rising career.

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

Settings: New York & Los Angeles (USA) | Mexico City & Guadalajara (Mexico) | Cape Town (South Africa) | Sydney (Australia) | Tokyo (Japan) | Athens & Santorini (Greece) | Vienna, Kitzbühel & Zell am See (Austria) | Freiburg im Breisgau, Garmisch-Partenkirchen & Cologne (Germany)

• Heidi rises to international prominence, performing in New York and Los Angeles, blending global musical styles with her operatic mastery.

• Friedrich performs in Mexico City, embracing the emotional intensity and artistry of Latin music.

• In Guadalajara, Lukas helps Friedrich find emotional peace and balance.

• Katrin is publicly exposed for her role in the sabotage, losing her standing in the opera world and quietly exiting the scene in Vienna.

• Heidi delivers a groundbreaking, emotionally powerful performance in Tokyo, fusing traditional opera with Japanese influences and earning international acclaim.

• In Cape Town, Heidi and Friedrich reconnect through a deep, mature love, sharing a transformative performance that reflects their artistic and personal growth.

• Heidi and Friedrich perform a powerful duet at the Sydney Opera House, showcasing their artistic evolution and emotional connection, solidifying their place in the international spotlight.

• Marika, watching from Athens, reflects with pride on Heidi’s full-circle transformation and growth.

• Heidi helps launch Felix’s international career, marking a new milestone in their artistic journey.

• Klara’s folk album unexpectedly gains popularity in Japan, validating her artistic path and earning her newfound recognition.

• Anton Reiter embraces multicultural opera in Santorini, inspired by Heidi’s success and the global movement she has sparked.

• In Freiburg im Breisgau, Heidi reunites with Pater Hans-Günther, finding spiritual clarity and reaffirming music as her soul’s true calling.

• In Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Heidi and Friedrich rediscover their roots at an alpine retreat, shaping a new artistic vision before briefly returning home.

• In Cologne, Heidi and Friedrich perform at the Cologne Opera, showcasing their matured artistry and solidifying their international reputation before returning to their roots.

• Back in Vienna, Ludwig begins to appreciate Heidi’s artistic ambitions, recognizing the depth of her dedication and vision.

• The once-divided grandfathers, Josef and Engelbert, attend the opera premiere together, beaming with pride at the legacy their families have built.

• In Kitzbühel, Heidi and Friedrich retreat to the mountains to reflect, recharge, and solidify their artistic and personal vision.

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

Settings: Copenhagen & Kronborg Castle (Denmark) | Oslo, Bergen & Stryn (Norway) | Vienna, Salzburg, Hallstatt & Zell am See (Austria) | Kraków (Poland)

• At Kronborg Castle in Denmark, Heidi and Friedrich co-write an opera inspired by their shared journey, blending themes of passion, loss, growth, and love.

• In Copenhagen, they refine the opera during a peaceful retreat, deepening their bond amid the city’s tranquil ambiance.

• In Oslo, they debut a minimalist version of the opera, prioritizing emotional truth over grandeur.

• In Bergen, Heidi and Friedrich perform an intimate preview in a historic fjord-side theatre, where the raw emotional honesty of the piece moves the audience to tears, affirming its universal resonance.

• In Stryn, they retreat into the serene Norwegian mountains, finding stillness and clarity to finalize the opera’s most personal act, reflecting on love, loss, and legacy in harmony with nature.

• In Kraków, Heidi and Friedrich experience creative renewal and personal harmony before returning home.

• Max conducts the world premiere of Heidi and Friedrich’s opera at the Hofburg Opernhaus, earning standing ovations and critical acclaim.

• Otto offers Heidi a principal contract at the Hofburg Opernhaus, formally recognizing her growth and artistry.

• Nadine supports Heidi’s final creative renewal and helps promote the world premiere, ensuring Heidi’s authentic voice reaches a wider audience.

• Marika opens a music school in Salzburg, dedicated to nurturing future generations of singers.

• In Zell am See, Heidi and Friedrich share a quiet, romantic moment by the lake, reflecting on their journey and the harmony they’ve created together.

• Back in Vienna, Rudolf gives a heartfelt dance performance with Gretel. Heidi feels deeply moved and proud, seeing her brother’s love and artistry mirror her own journey.

• Viktoria hosts a heartfelt celebration at Kaffeekunst, where the café fills with friends, family, artists, and allies.

• Klara and Leopoldine release a documentary celebrating Austrian folk music, ensuring these traditions live on for future generations.

• Lukas transitions into a talent agent, supporting global musicians with humor and wisdom.

• In Hallstatt’s Melodie am See square, Karlheinz watches as Heidi and Friedrich sing impromptu, embodying the harmony between passion, heritage, and the world.

• Max conducts the world premiere of Heidi and Friedrich’s opera at the Hofburg Opernhaus, earning standing ovations and critical acclaim.

Main Characters:

• Heidi Köhler (Female Lead): A passionate and gifted soprano who rises from Vienna's conservative traditions to global opera stages. She navigates rivalry, heritage, and ambition while staying true to her soul and voice.

• Friedrich Faßmann (Male Lead): A sensitive and talented tenor torn between upholding his family’s operatic legacy and forging his own artistic path. His journey spans Austrian tradition to global innovation, deepening in love and music alongside Heidi.

• Katrin Schneider (Main Antagonist): A fiercely ambitious soprano and Heidi's primary rival. Katrin uses charm, manipulation, and media tactics to sabotage others, ultimately sacrificing joy for success. Her hollow rise contrasts with Heidi’s integrity.

Supporting Characters:

• Opa Josef Köhler: Heidi’s wise and nurturing grandfather, deeply connected to their Austrian musical heritage. He grounds Heidi in family traditions and folk roots, offering emotional support and a sense of identity throughout her artistic journey.

• Ludwig Köhler: Heidi’s traditional and cautious father who struggles to accept her unconventional opera career. He embodies the conservative expectations she must overcome and eventually learns to value her artistic ambitions.

• Ingrid Köhler: Heidi's supportive mother. A quiet but steady presence, she offers emotional grounding and practical wisdom, helping Heidi navigate personal and professional challenges with love and encouragement.

• Rudolf Köhler: Heidi's adventurous twin brother, a charming and slightly rebellious figure who often provides comic relief. Though he has his own romantic subplot, his loyalty to Heidi and the family is unwavering.

• Opa Engelbert Faßmann: Friedrich's grandfather, a proud and tradition-bound patriarch who values the Faßmann family's operatic legacy. Stern yet principled, he pressures Friedrich to uphold their heritage but ultimately reconciles with Heidi’s family, embracing a more open vision of artistry.

• Dietrich Faßmann: Friedrich’s father—a stoic traditionalist torn between pride in his son’s talent and a belief that a legal career offers stability. He embodies generational tension between duty and artistic freedom, eventually learning to respect Friedrich’s choices.

• Franziska Faßmann: Friedrich’s thoughtful and empathetic mother. Torn between supporting his operatic dreams and upholding the family’s traditional path, she quietly nurtures Friedrich’s musical soul and later offers Heidi heartfelt wisdom.

• Klara Faßmann: Friedrich’s twin sister, a joyful and independent soprano embracing Austrian folk music over high opera. Guided by mentor Leopoldine Fischer, she supports Heidi emotionally and bridges folk and classical music in international performances.

• Marika Goldstein: Heidi's childhood friend, a glamorous mezzo-soprano living in Paris as a vocal coach. She guides Heidi in finding her voice both musically and personally.

• Lukas Schreiber: Friedrich’s loyal but unpredictable best friend, often encouraging him to explore global opportunities, offering both comedic and poignant support.

• Herr Otto Brandt: Stern but fair director of the Hofburg Opernhaus in Vienna, renowned for his keen eye for talent and understanding of operatic politics. He challenges performers like Heidi but ultimately nurtures genuine artistry.

• Maximilian “Max” Baumgartner: A young, ambitious conductor caught in the drama between Heidi and Katrin. Quietly supportive of Heidi.

• Viktoria Moser: Warm-hearted owner of Kaffeekunst, a charming café near Heidi’s home. She provides a welcoming space where characters gather, offering friendship, encouragement, and a touch of everyday magic.

• Karlheinz Weiss: Charming owner of Melodie am See in Hallstatt, a longtime family friend offering refuge and advice to Friedrich during difficult moments.

• Magdalena Bachmann: Passionate local violinist and friend of Friedrich, encouraging him to embrace his roots.

• Nadine Höller: Sharp, influential music producer who spots genuine talent and nurtures artists with integrity. She advises Heidi on navigating the competitive music industry without losing authenticity.

• Karolin Großmann: Veteran contralto and mentor to Heidi, guiding her in professional singing and managing rivalry.

• Siegfried Neumann: Opera enthusiast and local historian providing context about Austria’s rich musical heritage.

• Gretel Kofler: Charismatic dance teacher involved briefly with Rudolf, creating a subplot of youthful romance.

• Anton Reiter: Old-school stage director in Salzburg, skeptical of modern methods but highly respected. Offers contrast to younger performers’ approaches.

• Leopoldine Fischer: Passionate folklore singer from Salzburg, mentoring Klara in traditional Austrian music and adding cultural depth.

• Erwin Bauer: Former opera singer turned vocal coach running a respected music academy in Innsbruck. Uses tough-love methods to inspire Heidi to refine her technique.

• Pater Hans-Günther Vogel: Spiritual guide in Innsbruck Cathedral mentoring Heidi during her rivalry with Katrin.

• Wilhelmina Lang: Elderly local historian and storyteller who shares legends about Hallstatt’s musical past with the Köhler family.

• Felix Gruber: Young, idealistic jazz pianist who recently moved to Hallstatt, hoping to introduce new musical influences.

• Anna Reisinger: Perceptive costume designer who quietly mentors Heidi. Helps her express evolving identity on stage by blending tradition with individuality.

• Stefanie Leitner: Young, warm-hearted schoolteacher and music advocate from Hallstatt. Champions Heidi’s outreach efforts, guiding children through workshops, and fostering a love of heritage and creativity.

• Tobias Lenz: Poetic boatman from Hallstatt who quietly admires Heidi. He captures her growth and spirit through verse, serving as a subtle chronicler of her journey and a symbol of grounded wisdom.

Primary Setting: Vienna, Austria

Other Settings: Austria (Salzburg, Innsbruck, Hallstatt, Graz, Linz, Klagenfurt am Wörthersee, Kitzbühel & Zell am See) | Kraków, Poland | Prague, Czechia | Budapest, Hungary | UK (London & Edinburgh) | Dublin, Ireland | France (Paris & Strasbourg) | Belgium (Brussels & Bruges) | Amsterdam, Netherlands | Germany (Berlin, Frankfurt, Munich, Heidelberg, Cologne, Freiburg im Breisgau, Garmisch-Partenkirchen & Leipzig) | Switzerland (Zürich, Lucerne, Interlaken, Zermatt, Grindelwald, Gstaad, Davos, St. Moritz, Geneva, Lausanne & Montreux) | Italy (Rome, Pisa, Florence, Milan, Venice & Verona) | Barcelona, Spain | Lisbon, Portugal | Greece (Athens & Santorini) | USA (New York & Los Angeles) | Mexico (Mexico City & Guadalajara) | Cape Town, South Africa | Sydney, Australia | Tokyo, Japan | Denmark (Copenhagen & Kronborg Castle) | Norway (Oslo, Bergen & Stryn)