Travel tips for opera lovers – London and Carl Maria von Weber

In 1824 von Weber received an invitation to write an opera for London and to conduct it himself. Weber accepted and traveled to London in 1826, although he was already ill with tuberculosis and no longer able to travel. He needed the money and decided to go to London via Paris (where he met Rossini and talked about opera projects).

Already in poor health, he conducted the celebrated first performance at Convent Garden in April, but was unable to conduct the following performances himself as his condition deteriorated drastically in May. He planned to return, but died at the home of musician and friend George Smart on June 5. He was given a ceremonial burial in London and his body was transferred to Dresden 18 years later on the initiative of Richard Wagner.