The work

The Masterpiece Fantasio is the story of the unwilling hero who, disguised as a court jester, hopes to save himself, but instead becomes the only one who can save everyone else. Tragedy and comedy are skilfully mixed, and through the jester's right to state the obvious, the libretto echoes in our time.

The autograph scores have long been scattered and incomplete, some in London, some in New York and some in the archives of a branch of the Offenbach family, whose doors have recently been opened. Through Jean Christophe-Keck they have finally been brought together.

Out of three existing versions, we choose the so-called "Paris versions" which premiered on 18 January 1872. The title role is sung by a mezzo-soprano, and it has enjoyed great success on stages and concert halls since the material was compiled. But never in Sweden. We are proud to present another Swedish premiere at Läckö Castle!