Abstract

Culture-forming processes including musical tradition forming in Upper Si- lesia in the first years of the 20th century took place in the following two trends – the amateur movement as well as institutionalised activity of theatre houses or opera stages. These two trends, so distinct in their character and ideas, expressed the image of the region’s spiritual life.

The German opera theatre established in Bytom in 1901 (an institution of two departmental structure – drama and opera) performed its activity conti- nuously from 1944. The opera repertoire included stage works belonging to the theatre canon, inclusive of R. Wagner’s opera and drama (except for early works of the composer and Götterdämmerung (English – Twilight of the Gods). These were, as press revives indicated, successful undertakings – thus the Wagner idea of art synthesis was fully confirmed here.

Since 1945 a new page of the theatre history began – the Silesian Opera started its artistic activity due to Adam Didur’s efforts. R. Wagner’s work – Der fliegende Holländer (English – Flying Dutchman) the premiere of which place in 1964 – can be also found in the rich staffage of repertoire.