World premiere of Rosy Wertheim's masterpiece at the Hanover State Opera

World premiere of Rosy Wertheim's masterpiece at the Hanover State Opera

An exciting premiere is imminent: On October 26th and 27th, 2025, the Lower Saxony State Orchestra Hannover will perform Rosy Wertheim's “Variations on an Old Dutch Song” under the direction of Patrick Lange. The work from 1916 is a musical masterpiece that tells the story of a fisherman boy and a miller's wife who demands three kisses in 18 different variations. A truly enjoyable listen that will appeal to both classic lovers and newcomers alike.

Rosy Wertheim was born in Amsterdam in 1888 and was a pioneer among female composers. She was one of the first women in the Netherlands to obtain a diploma in composition. Her musical training took her through important cities such as Amsterdam, Paris and Vienna, where she studied and also came into contact with greats such as Claude Debussy. Wertheim composed over 100 works, the stylistic context of which is often characterized by lyrical, silent film-like sounds that take the listener into another world.

The premiere and its background

The premiere of “Variations on an Old Dutch Song” marks not only a significant musical moment, but also the rediscovery of a long-forgotten artist. Particular attention is paid to the fact that Wertheim held secret concerts for Jewish refugees in the occupied Netherlands during World War II, while almost her entire family fell victim to the Shoah. Such facts are part of her moving biography, which bears witness to hope and resilience despite the pain.

“There is an exciting contrast between the simple and complex passages of the work,” says conductor Patrick Lange, describing the musical development. While the music initially begins simply, it develops into a funny and eccentric fugue that will captivate the audience. In the premiere, the piece is contrasted with Arnold Schönberg's “Pelléas and Mélisande” from 1905, which makes the evening particularly varied and enriching.

The meaning of Rosy Wertheim

Wertheim was not only a talented composer, but also a passionate teacher. Before the war, she taught piano free of charge to children from socially disadvantaged families. This streak of supporting those around her is also reflected in her musical work and gives her music a special emotional content.

A street in Amsterdam honors her name, and Wertheim Park, named after her grandfather, is a place of remembrance of her family roots. It is time for her work to receive the attention it deserves and for more to be known about her life and music. The story of this extraordinary woman, who died of cancer in 1949 at the age of 61, remains relevant and inspiring.

The premiere of Rosy Wertheim's work on October 26th and 27th at the Hanover State Opera is a step in the right direction to bring greater awareness of the work of women in music history. The music world can look forward to an outstanding experience.

For more information about Rosy Wertheim you can read the articles from NDR and Hanover State Theater visit.