The AI ​​Opera: Dramatic return from Davos in Frankfurt!

The AI ​​Opera: Dramatic return from Davos in Frankfurt!

The world of opera comes to life, and today, October 14, 2025, the Frankfurt Chamber Opera celebrates the premiere of its highly anticipated work “The Return from Davos”, the second part of the trilogy “On the Desire of Power”. Directed by Rainer Pudenz, the production is brought to life in the consecration hall of the Unitarian Free Religious Community, an architectural jewel from 1960. The mezzo-soprano Dzuna Kalnina takes on the role of the protagonist, who programs an artificial intelligence called Kora. This is embodied by the coloratura soprano Nicola Montfort, who appears in eye-catching costumes.

What is special about this opera is the exciting connection between man and machine. Composer Stanislav Rosenberg has called for improvised music, and the line-up includes Ivan Petrov on clarinet and bass clarinet, as well as Rosenberg himself on piano and synthesizer. The plot is gripping and revolves around power and identity: the protagonist is faced with a scandal triggered by a former fellow student and lover. Kora analyzes the situation and comes up with remarkable insights. At the end there is a dramatic climax when the protagonist Kora switches off and threatens to lose her identity.

Art and technology in harmony

At a time when artificial intelligence (AI) is exerting an ever greater influence on different cultures, opera is also experimenting with AI. An exciting interaction between man and machine is unfolding not only in Frankfurt, but all over the world. mind-verse.de reports on how the Semperoper in Dresden presented the first opera “Chasing Waterfalls” partially generated by AI in 2022. Here, AI not only acted as a supporting element, but also as a creative partner in the creative process.

The World Economic Forum in Davos is also discussing the effects of AI, with a particular focus on the EU's leadership role. Ursula von der Leyen highlights that there are already 200,000 AI-experienced software engineers working in Europe, which shows that Europe's position in global competition is strong. It becomes clear here that the topics of technology and culture are closely intertwined. The EU plans to make it easier for start-ups to access supercomputers and data rooms, which could be beneficial for future creative projects in the opera.

Looking into the future

AI is revolutionizing classical music. Opera houses around the world are adapting modern technologies to personalize the audience experience and optimize production processes. Integrating AI technologies could not only increase efficiency but also open up new revenue streams. Mindverse provides insights into how AI is used in the opera world, for example to create musical compositions and librettos in real time and to dynamically adapt stage technology.

In this context, the Frankfurt Chamber Opera not only illuminated a concept of power and identity with “The Return from Davos”, but also highlighted the consciously exploratory role of AI in art. Upcoming performances on October 17, 18, 21 and 23 will provide further opportunities to experience the fusion of technology and art that undoubtedly reflects the beating heartbeat of modern opera.

Whether it's about enriching traditional art forms with new technologies or overcoming the challenges that these technologies bring with them, considerations around AI are more relevant than ever. Let yourself be carried away by this captivating performance and experience how the boundaries between man and machine blur in art.