RIGOLETTO, The Stage

Prior to the performance, a cool glass of summer wine
is enjoyed by many of the over 4000 visitors.

The open air stage, in front of whichVerdi's arias
are breathtakingly performed by some of
Europe's fine Opera Stars.

A close-up of the actual size stage on which these
wonderful melodies making up Giuseppe Verdi's
Opera, "Rigoletto" were performed.

Just a part of the audience who enjoyed this greatest of Operas
under clear skies.

RIGOLETTO - The Main Performers

Rigoletto with his daughter, Gilda, and Countess Magdalena

The hired killer, Sparafucile, and Magdalena
taking a well deserved final bow.

Giovanna, a "woman of easy virtue"

"Rigoletto" accepting thunderous applause
from over 4000 members of the audience.

Wider die Gewalt - Against Brutal Force (1)

"Schloss Finkenstein" und seine Arena sind die romantische Buehne
von welcher Christina und Melitta Trunk,
ein Ende der Gewalt, die so oft in dieser Welt
besonders gegen Frauen und Kinder ausgeuebt wird, verlangen.

Castel Finkenstein and its arena
are the romantic setting from which the organizers
Christina and Melitta Trunk demand an end to the brutal force
so often used particularly against women and children.

In this wonderful countryside they assemble artists of renown
to assist in this call.

In diese schoene Landschaft versammeln sie renomierte Kuenstler
um bei diesem Aufruf zu helfen.

The view from the Castle.

Der Ausblick von der Burg.

Wider die Gewalt - Against Brute Force (2)

The view from the castle onto the surrounding countryside

Der Ausblick vom Schloss

Langsam begeben sich die Zuschauer in die Arena
welche zur Buehne fuer wunderschoene Auffuehrungen dient.

Slowly the people move to their seats in the arena, which serves as a staging point
for these wonderful performances by most talented artists.

The performance starts at dusk in front of a full house.

Bei Abenddaemmerung beginnt die Vorstellung zu einem vollen Haus.

An enthusiastic audience supports not only the artists and their performances,
but also the Struggle against Brute Force, particularly against women and children.

"WIDER DIE GEWALT - AGAINST BRUTAL FORCE (3)

On the Arena Stage: Auf der Arena Buehne:
Marlene Novak (Soprano), Dirk Konnerth (Tenor) Robert Luecking (Piano)

Catherine Andree ( Chanson )

Sascha Wussow:
Gespraech mit Gott
Dialogue with God

All the above performers gave their efforts free of charge
and thusly contributed to the struggle against Brutality.

Die Oben erwaehnten Kuenstler gaben ihre Beitraege kostenlos
um auf diese Weise zum Kampf gegen die Gewalt beizutragen.

Die Burg "Finkenstein", bei Nacht, am Ende dieser wunderbaren Vorfuehrung.

Castle "Finkenstein" at night, at the end of this wonderful performance.

The watch tower - der Wachturm

Der alte Turm, welcher anno dazumal eine Abwehr
fuer das Schloss darstellte,
ist heute von zwei Schwestern bewohnt.
Gestern waren wir dort zu Gast und ich musste dieses interessante Gebaeude fotographieren.

This old tower once was part of the castles fortification.
Now it is occupied by two sister.
Yesterday we were their guests and I simply had to photograph
this interesting structure

Der Eingang zu einer aeusserst romantischen Wohnstaette.
The main entrance to this romantic abode.

Einmal ist es eine Bergkette, die ihrer Schoenheit wegen
deinen Atem wegnimmt, dann ist es wieder
ein blumenumrahmtes Fenster,
das dich nicht aus dem Staunen herauslaesst.

Sometimes it is a mountain range which takes your breath away,
then it is a window, framed in roses which demands your admiration.

Bitte, schau Dir diese Bilder im Grossformat an.

Please view these images in the large format.

Flowers in our Garden

...a little corner in our garden...

Ein kleiner Winkel in unserem Garten

Sometimes I visit our garden and look at
all the flowers in it with great care.
I cannot help but marvel at the variety of shapes and colours.

There are many more flowers in our garden.
I can only show you four at a time...

Es gibt noch viel mehr Blumen in unserem Garten.
Leider kann ich Euch nur je vier zeigen.