In the latest newsletter, we introduce the characters and singers of Der Rosenkavalier. Click here for an initial introduction.
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Spanga, June 17, 2026
Dear, witty, loyal, beautiful Fred is no longer with us.
Fred was going to play Hippolyte this year, the Marschallin's barber. We had already rehearsed several times with great pleasure. Until this evening, when Fred's neighbour and friend Nabil appeared on Geert's property and brought us the intensely sad news.
Since 1995, Fred has been an indispensable part of the Spanga theatre scene; staring dead in a bathtub with a burning cigarette in his hand in Gianni Schicchi, as the mayor in Carmen, as a pimp in La Traviata, as a house servant in Donna Giovanna, as the undertaker in Mavra, as the priest in Tosca, and this summer, no longer as the barber in Der Rosenkavalier.
No more Fred in Spanga.
Everyone who acted with him over the years knows a juicy anecdote to tell about Fred, about something that happened on- or, better yet, backstage. We all enjoyed his presence.
Dear, dear Fred, we will miss you intensely.
Every summer, Opera Spanga transforms into a small international community where artists, technicians, volunteers, neighbours, and audiences come together to create something truly special.
This year we will present Der Rosenkavalier, one of Richard Strauss’ most beloved operas, and we are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help us during the performance evenings.
PLACE DE L'OPERA | Monique ten Boske
"Love requires courage at Opera Spanga"
Read here how the press reviews Tosca.
Besides the opera, would you like to enjoy a few wonderful days away in the beautiful Frisian surroundings of Spanga? Some suggestions:
A unique destination located in the beautiful natural landscape of Friesland. Discover the idyllic park with trendy 2- to 4-person greenhouses, where lush fruit trees and a colorful vegetable garden welcome you.
For more info and prices: Vakantiepark EIGENWIJZE
Stay in the nature of the Rottige Meente at the most beautiful place in Weststellingwerf; Boetiekpark de Kas in Scherpenzeel (on bike and canoe distance from Opera Spanga). Beautiful camping spots, 2 hiker's huts, 5 tiny houses and 3 hotel cabins.
For more info and prices: Boetiekpark de Kas
On the occasion of the 35th anniversary of Opera Spanga, the book 35 jaar Opera Spanga in Noord Nederland was created. The book focuses on the period 2019-2024 and is a follow-up to the book Opera in het weiland, the little sister, so to speak. And it gives a glimpse into the plans for the future. This edition is also illustrated with the most beautiful photos of the various productions.
The book can be ordered by e-mail via info@operaspanga.nl. The price of the book is €10 (excl. shipping costs).
In collaboration with the municipality of Weststellingwerf, the book Opera in het weiland was made, about 30 years of Opera Spanga. Journalist Kasper Jansen sketches a picture of developments in the past 30 years, in conversations with Corina van Eijk and a few loyal employees, such as Klara Uleman and Ali Veenhouwer. The book is illustrated with the most beautiful photos of various productions.
The book (Dutch) can be ordered by e-mail via info@operaspanga.nl. The price of the book is € 15 (excl. shipping costs).
Since 1989 the foundation known as Spanga, the Verona of Weststellingwerf (OPERA SPANGA) has been producing its own unique brand of opera in the Frisian hamlet of Spanga.
It is committed to the goal of invigorating the art of opera and taking it off the pedestal it occupies in culture land and putting it where it belongs - in peoples’ hearts.
