_{OPERA PLACES} Simone McIntosh takes us to Düsseldorf and Duisburg, Germany

City where you’re working?
Düsseldorf and Duisburg, Germany.

How long are you working on contract?
One month on and off – very short.

What’s the opera house like?
It is a welcoming, supportive, and extremely FAST-PACED house! Everyone at this house is used to doing two or three productions at a time, short rehearsal periods, and frequent cast changes/jump-ins.

In total, I only had three rehearsals for my Hänsel role debut: One 6hr staging rehearsal, a piano dress and an orchestra dress. It was unlike any other rehearsal experience I’ve had prior, but exciting and new!

For this run, I was one of three Hänsels, worked with three conductors, three Gretels, three Witches, three Fathers, two Mothers, two Sandmanns, and three Dew Fairies. Several times, I met my cast mates an hour before the show. In one instance, I met my castmate on stage during our performance. Very different to the North American system.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Kulturamt Düsseldorf (@kulturamtduesseldorf)

Where is the most peaceful place in the city?
Unfortunately, it rained most of the time I was in Düsseldorf. During this time of year, being cozy at home/hotel is the most peaceful. When I last was in Düsseldorf, I really enjoyed being by the river in the Old Town.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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    A post shared by Blickwinkel Düsseldorf (@blickwinkel_dus)  

 

 

 

 

Best coffee or tea?
My trip was so short, so I had most of my coffee from the canteen at the theatre. Just normal coffee, but only 1€!

Coolest bar or restaurant you’ve been to?
I had EXCELLENT, Indian food at a place called Jaipur Prime. Definitely one of my top three Indian restaurants I’ve ever had (and I eat a lot). 10/10

An activity you have done that is unique to the area?
I visited the Düsseldorf and Duisburg Weihnachtsmarkts a fair bit and enjoyed some Glühwein (German mulled wine) a few times. Nothing beats that!

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by cookingCatrin® (@cookingcatrin)

Is there something unexpected that happens locally that you discovered?
Not necessarily an event, but I was pretty astonished by how good the food was in Düsseldorf. In other parts of Germany, I find food can be a little less exciting and unaccommodating to a vegetarian diet (Duisburg would definitely fall under this category). Düsseldorf, however, was fantastic! I didn’t find a restaurant I didn’t enjoy.

How did you find your accommodation?
This contract had several large gaps. I would fly home to Paris between shows, which was more cost effective than booking accommodation. Having time at my new home and spending time with my partner was perfect. When I was in Düsseldorf/Duisburg, my accommodation consisted of two Airbnbs, one singer-friend connection and two hotels.

What’s the most important thing you think of when it comes to finding accommodation as a singer?
By far, the most important thing is cleanliness. I’m not terribly picky, but it never feels good when a place is grimy, has mould and/or is not reasonably well kept. German and Austrian Airbnbs generally tend to be much more cleanly and welcoming (so far). I am starting to experience more and more Airbnbs where this is not the case, particularly in other parts of the world.
I’ve had to cancel dirty Airbnb listings and find last minute hotels several times in the past few months. It costs A LOT of energy to do this, especially if you’re tired from travel and need to worry about important auditions or performances the next day. I’m starting to find more value with staying at reputable hotels for shorter trips. It costs more, but when the stakes are high, it’s worth it.

Have you had a chance to explore some galleries or museums?
This trip was unfortunately too short for me to explore too terribly much. Most of my days off I would go back to Paris… Which is also an experience!

Is there anything else you’d recommend?
I really enjoyed the vegan ramen at Tokyo Ramen. Pizzeria da Ciro was also a favourite! Ciro, himself, made our pizza as we were surrounded by posters his favourite F1 racing cars/drivers and certificates of his past running accomplishments from his professional career. His heart and soul were definitely running the joint.