Overview
- The long‑awaited premiere at the renovated Kölner Oper went ahead on Sunday even though key stage systems are not yet running reliably.
- Opera director Hein Mulders confirmed problems with the stage podium, the rotating turntable and parts of the upper rigging and said crews found workarounds to keep the show on track.
- Project manager Jürgen M. Volm called the faults 'Kinderkrankheiten' and the city said the installed systems were completed and accepted but still need real‑world commissioning.
- Officials blame part of the failure on the long gap between installation and first use, saying machines accepted years ago can break down after long idle periods, and management says restrictions on performances should be minimal.
- The opening night closes a 14‑year, costly renovation that has drawn public scrutiny and leaves Cologne facing short‑term operational testing as well as longer debates about project oversight and public spending.