GIAN MARCHET COLANI

In October 2026, Opera Engiadina will present the world premiere of Gian Marchet Colani, a new Graubünden hunter's opera in Romansh. The work is based on the famous opera Der Freischütz by Carl Maria von Weber, but moves the action to the Engadine and combines classical opera with regional history, culture and tradition.
The focus is on the legend of the Engadine hunter Gian Marchet Colani from Pontresina (1772–1835), who was said to have shot with enchanted bullets. The story thus picks up on one of the central motifs of Der Freischütz and tells it in a new, Graubünden context. A special highlight is the famous Wolfsschlucht scene, which is moved to the impressive Ova da Bernina gorge near Pontresina. For the first time, a hunters' choir will also be heard in Romansh, sung by Engadine and other Graubünden hunters.
The production brings together renowned soloists, the project choir of the Graubünden Hunters' Association and the Graubünden Chamber Philharmonic Orchestra under the musical direction of Claudio Danuser. The direction and stage concept are by Manfred Ferrari.
Instrumentation:
- Samiel / Narrator: Lorenzo Polin
- Gian Marchet Colani (Max, Tenor): Yves Ehrsam
- Chasper (Kaspar, bass-baritone): Fabrice Raviola
- Aita (Agathe, soprano): Sara-Bigna Janett
- Peider Costa, Shooting Master (Kuno, Bass): Radovan Jovanovic
- Gian Clavuot, District President (Ottokar, baritone): Michael Stern
- Hermit (bass): Martin Roth
With this production, Opera Engiadina creates a unique combination of opera tradition, Graubünden history and Rhaeto-Romanic culture.
Tickets can be conveniently booked online via the www.operaengiadina.ch website.