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Ludwig Baumann grew up on a farm, surrounded by many animals. Indeed this early aspect of his life has continued to be an import part of his life today. After studying singing at Richard Strauss's Conservatoire in Munich, Baumann enjoyed a long career where he was engaged by many of the world’s most prestigious opera houses, including Los Angeles  Rome, Paris, and Berlin to name but a few. 

Initially he sang bass, but  moved to higher baritone rolls, among his specialities Papagano from Mozart’s "Magic Flute".

In 1994 a tragic stage accident put a stop to Baumann’s operatic career, when he fell several metres from the Dresden Semperoper stage during a dress rehearsal. He spent the next five years undergoing various treatment in order to walk again. In this time Baumann returned to his property Immling in Bavaria. There he organised workshops and concerts and established what has become known as the Gut Immling Opera festival.

12 years on and this festival is flourishing presenting three major opera productions each summer. The one time indoor horse riding hall, has become the Gut Immling Opera House. 

In this week’s Inspired Minds, Ludwig Baumann talks to Breandáin O’Shea about his singing career, his love of animals and his fulfilment of a lifetime dream in establishing the Gut Immling Opera Festival.

Interview: Breandáin O'Shea