(Foto: © Ludwig Olah)

American composer Tobias Picker and librettist Aryeh Lev Stollman’s newest opera “Lili Elbe” is set to make its world premiere at the Theater St. Gallen.

“Lili Elbe” is the first grand opera written for and about a historical person of trans experience, and the world premiere stars American heldenbaritone Lucia Lucas. Lucas will be joined a cast that includes Sylvia D’Eramo, Mack Wolz, Jennifer Panara, Brian Michael Moore, Théo Imart, Sam Taskinen, Kristján Jóhannesson, David Maze, and Msimelelo Mbali.

The work was commissioned by the Konzert und Theater St. Gallen and tells the story of the painter Lili Elbe, who had the first gender confirmation surgery in the 1930s.

The world premiere production will be conducted by the Chief Conductor and Artistic Director of the Theater St. Gallen Modestas Pitrénas and will be directed by Krystian Lada. The opera is choreographed by Frank Fannar Pedersen and features the St. Gallen dance company.

The opera will be performed from Oct. 22 through Dec. 3, 2023.