Freunde Der Italienischen Oper, a German independent music band, was formed in 1988 by Ray van Zeschau, Tom Gross, Heiko Schramm, Jänz Dittschlag and Rainer A. Schmidt. Initially known as Kot Mpi, the group changed its name to Freunde der italienischen Oper and gained attention when they were hired for Wolfgang Engel's Faust production at Staatsschauspiel Dresden in 1988. The band released the album, Um Thron Und Liebe, in 1991, followed by Edle Einfalt Stille Grösse in 1996. They performed at notable events such as the opening of Martin Roth's exhibition Body Search and were the first rock band to perform at the Dresden State Theatre. The group disbanded in 1992 but reunited for various performances, including a concert in 2004, appearances with René Pape in 2005, and 2009.
