Life in Manaus: Exploring culture in the Brazilian rainforest
Life in Manaus: Exploring culture in the Brazilian rainforest
Learn about Manaus, Brazil.
Contunico © ZDF Studios GmbH, Mainz
Transcript
NARRATOR: The Brazilian rainforest in the Amazon basin - an exotic and vibrant life awaits you here. And even in this jungle metropolis, you can experience high culture in the Teatro Amazonas opera house. This is where German-born Frank Hämmer plays the violin, a job he does with pride.
FRANK HÄMMER: "This is an old theater right in the thick of the jungle. None of the materials used to build it came from here, apart from the wood used for the flooring, for example, which came from Brazil itself. All of the other materials were shipped in from abroad. It's such a privilege to be able to work here."
NARRATOR: Life in this Amazonian city is very much affected by the water level, which can fluctuate by up to 14 meters, depending on whether it's dry or rainy season. Frank Hämmer feels at home here in Manaus, which may have a little to do with the fact that many of the people who breathed life into the city have a European heritage. The harbor, for example, was built by an Englishman. A lot of what is shipped here ends up in the market halls, which are an exact replica of the Parisian Les Halles. The blueprints for the iron-framed market halls were drawn up by Gustave Eiffel himself. The fish market is buzzing with life. Frank enjoys strolling through the many halls here and has a deep appreciation for a way of life so very different from that in his home town of Leipzig.
HÄMMER: "There's so much to see and buy here, more than you could ever imagine, like exotic fruits, herbs, vegetables, fish, meat and shrimp. This man here, for example, is making flour from cassava. This is Manaus's most popular market. Shopping here is wonderful. You can feel the pulse of the city. It's amazing."
NARRATOR: Life in the rainforest is an adventure and a challenge that Frank thrives on. He no longer feels home sick and is now married to a Brazilian pianist. Manaus is a dream come true for the violinist but still there's something missing.
HÄMMER: "The cultural side of things is a bit lacking here in Manaus because it's very much an island - not ideal for a musician. I offer the people here culture, but I need some for myself, too."
NARRATOR: But one thing Frank doesn't have to go without is first-rate classical music, which he plays plenty of with his philharmonic orchestra. In the heart of the rainforest, his new home - the wonderful Teatro Amazonas.
FRANK HÄMMER: "This is an old theater right in the thick of the jungle. None of the materials used to build it came from here, apart from the wood used for the flooring, for example, which came from Brazil itself. All of the other materials were shipped in from abroad. It's such a privilege to be able to work here."
NARRATOR: Life in this Amazonian city is very much affected by the water level, which can fluctuate by up to 14 meters, depending on whether it's dry or rainy season. Frank Hämmer feels at home here in Manaus, which may have a little to do with the fact that many of the people who breathed life into the city have a European heritage. The harbor, for example, was built by an Englishman. A lot of what is shipped here ends up in the market halls, which are an exact replica of the Parisian Les Halles. The blueprints for the iron-framed market halls were drawn up by Gustave Eiffel himself. The fish market is buzzing with life. Frank enjoys strolling through the many halls here and has a deep appreciation for a way of life so very different from that in his home town of Leipzig.
HÄMMER: "There's so much to see and buy here, more than you could ever imagine, like exotic fruits, herbs, vegetables, fish, meat and shrimp. This man here, for example, is making flour from cassava. This is Manaus's most popular market. Shopping here is wonderful. You can feel the pulse of the city. It's amazing."
NARRATOR: Life in the rainforest is an adventure and a challenge that Frank thrives on. He no longer feels home sick and is now married to a Brazilian pianist. Manaus is a dream come true for the violinist but still there's something missing.
HÄMMER: "The cultural side of things is a bit lacking here in Manaus because it's very much an island - not ideal for a musician. I offer the people here culture, but I need some for myself, too."
NARRATOR: But one thing Frank doesn't have to go without is first-rate classical music, which he plays plenty of with his philharmonic orchestra. In the heart of the rainforest, his new home - the wonderful Teatro Amazonas.