We dream big

What was the first thought that crossed your mind when you received the commission to write a song for the Bühne Baden theater? 
We received the request directly from Andreas Gergen in a personal conversation in May 2025. We were delighted, but also felt a great deal of respect for the task. Writing a song for a theater with such a long tradition as the Bühne Baden is a special honor. We knew immediately that we wanted to work on the project together.

What were the specifications? Or did you have a lot of freedom in your work? 
We were relatively free in terms of content, but there was a clear direction: the song should show the theater as a place where people come together, diversity is lived, and art is accessible to everyone. This idea was already in the air during the first conversation and appealed to both of us immediately.

What was particularly important to you personally when working on this song? 
It was important to us to combine different musical worlds, especially the two poles that the Bühne Baden represents: operetta and musical. At the same time, the song should be emotionally accessible and authentic in its message. To achieve this, we tried out many different variations and deliberately took our time.

What was the biggest challenge? 
The biggest challenge was finding a tone that was both artistically sophisticated and open and connecting. An anthem always carries the risk of pathos. We deliberately wanted to avoid that. Musically, the melody came first, and the lyrics were developed in dialogue with it. A joint working session with Andreas Gergen was particularly helpful, as we were able to fine-tune specific passages. The arrangement for a large orchestra, choir, and soloists was also a demanding task. It was a great advantage that we were able to write the parts specifically for Nina Bezu and Mark Seibert. We took their voices into account and worked on the finer details right up to the last minute.

When you think of musical theater, what are the first terms that come to mind? 
Big emotions, diving into other worlds, intimacy, freedom, empathy. Musical theater unites diversity – both musically and humanly – and creates discussions and encounters that immediately touch and move people. The live character makes every experience unique.

What was it like for you to hear the song performed by a large ensemble for the first time at the opening concert? 
Our expectations were far exceeded. It was a great pleasure for us to have our song premiered at the Stadttheater Baden. It was particularly touching for us that it was performed by such outstanding artists. A big thank you goes to Nina Bezu, Mark Seibert, Beppo Binder, the Young Artists, the choir, and the orchestra of the Baden stage under the musical direction of Michael Zehetner. We are very grateful and proud that our contribution was part of this special opening under the new artistic direction of Andreas Gergen.