Wagner’s grand romantic opera Tannhäuser explores the tension between earthly desire and spiritual purity. Torn between Venus and Elisabeth, Tannhäuser represents the Romantic struggle between indulgence and guilt, with themes of love and redemption that still resonate. Lydia Steier’s production moves through Venus’ world as a variety show, the ordered society of Wartburg Castle, and a contemporary media-driven landscape. Staatsoper debutant Clay Hilley as Tannhäuser is the shining star of this new production: “Even in the most powerful forte, his voice shines so effortlessly that one thinks he still has reserves to draw on. In terms of character, Hilley shows his inner turmoil very clearly, and his stage presence is that of a professional spoken theatre actor” (Bachtrack). Günther Groissböck as Landgrave Hermann and Malin Byström as Elisabeth also deliver “vocal highlights” (Concerti). In the pit, Philippe Jordan allowed “this masterpiece to resound in all ist splendour and beauty” (Der Opernfreund).
Cagliostro – Johann Strauss in the Circus Tent
Combining pop, musical theatre and circus spectacle, author Thomas Brezina and composer Johnny Bertl have created a new musical performance based on motifs from Strauss’ operetta Cagliostro in Vienna. In the big top of the famous circus Roncalli, daring acrobatic acts meet famous Strauss melodies to tell the story of the magician and con man Caglistro. A unique experience for the whole family that “succeeds in transferring the entertainment value of a Strauss operetta to the present day” (Salzburger Nachrichten). “When circus and operetta come together, a new piece of Viennese cultural history is the result” (Kurier)
Pathétique – A ballet by Martin Schläpfer
Set to Tchaikovsky’s Sixth Symphony, Martin Schläpfer’s highly expressive choreography offers glimpses into the composer’s biography, echoes of his great ballets, Russian motives and reflections on our time. “A precisely danced, emotionally charged creation from a single mould, which he concludes touchingly with a Handel aria” (Kronenzeitung). “This is Martin Schläpfer at his best (…) classical ballet that is nevertheless entirely contemporary” (NZZ)
Bregenz Festival 2025: Oedipe
It is George Enescu’s only opera: the Romanian composer struggled for years with the greatest of all tragedies, the myth of Oedipus, who kills his father and marries his mother because the gods have predestined it so. The new Bregenz production of the work is directed by the internationally renowned director Andreas Kriegenburg, who, together with set designer Harald B. Thor and costume designer Tanja Hofmann, dedicates each of the four independently narrated acts to an element: fire, water, air and earth, combined with archaic materials such as wood, clay and simple fabric, but also bare skin. Finnish star conductor Hannu Lintu, who will be appearing at the Bregenz Festival for the first time, will conduct the music. “Gorgeous, stately, incandescent” (Los Angeles Times)
Salzburg Festival 2025: Maria Stuarda
At the Salzburg Festival, director Ulrich Rasche shapes Donizetti’s Maria Stuarda into “a Sisyphean image and a powerful metaphor for the mechanics of power in which everyone here is trapped” (NZZ), by moving the action onto enormous discs, “with people who must relentlessly march towards their fate on them” (Kurier). This striking interpretation is perfectly completed by the outstanding performances of the two women at the centre of the story. “Kate Lindsey (Elisabetta) was able to clothe the character’s brokenness, her remorse and indignation, in a flowing song, with an almost theatrical clarity of articulation, on the one hand, and a passionate, full-bodied sound on the other” (WDR). Lisette Oropesa, as her opponent Maria Stuarda, “stands opposite her in gleaming white, but her voice sounds wonderfully warm and full-bodied. She has a
sure command of the high notes and coloratura. But even more impressive than her acrobatics is her expressiveness: when she loves and suffers, she is completely herself, and we are completely with her” (BR).
A Johann Strauss Celebration – The Wiener Symphoniker in Trieste
For decades, the Wiener Symphoniker has welcomed spring with a bouquet of lively melodies. This edition goes international as the orchestra and chief conductor Petr Popelka ring in the season in Trieste with works by Johann Strauss, the composer of the year, but also pieces by Franz Lehár, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky and Erich Korngold.
Arena di Verona Festival 2025: Nabucco
Anna Netrebko stars as Abigaille in Verdi’s Nabucco, one of opera’s most demanding roles, in a spectacular new production set in the ancient amphitheatre of Verona. Featuring futuristic scenery and striking special effects, this modern staging transforms Verdi’s beloved choral drama into a powerful, immersive experience. Directed and designed by Stefano Poda, the production reimagines the story beyond history, presenting a timeless vision of conflict, unity and hope. “Netrebko manages to shape every sound with intention. A performance that combines charisma and discipline, pathos and control” (Rivista Musica)
RCO: Mäkelä conducts Ravel, Bartók, and Connesson
The Concertgebouw Orchestra, conductor Klaus Mäkelä and two of the orchestra’s soloists transport you to distant worlds. Fairy tales by Ravel and Bartók and two works by the contemporary sound wizard Guillaume Connesson: four pieces of music to take in visually. PROGRAM Ravel: Shéhérazade; Connesson: Les belles heures (oboe concerto, commission, Dutch premiere); Danses concertantes (flute concerto, commission, Dutch premiere); Bartók: music from ‘The Miraculous Mandarin’
Sibelius Symphony No. 4
It couldn’t be more authentic: the Philharmonic Orchestra Helsinki performs all seven symphonies by Jean Sibelius live in the spectacular concert hall of the Finnish capital’s modern Music Centre — the place where almost all of them had their premieres. Over a period of approximately 25 years, Jean Sibelius composed his seven symphonies. All of them, except for the seventh, were premiered in Helsinki under the composer’s own direction. Now, more than 100 years later, a symphony cycle by the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by its chief conductor Jukka-Pekka Saraste, offers a unique and moving experience.
Sibelius Symphony No. 5
It couldn’t be more authentic: the Philharmonic Orchestra Helsinki performs all seven symphonies by Jean Sibelius live in the spectacular concert hall of the Finnish capital’s modern Music Centre — the place where almost all of them had their premieres. Over a period of approximately 25 years, Jean Sibelius composed his seven symphonies. All of them, except for the seventh, were premiered in Helsinki under the composer’s own direction. Now, more than 100 years later, a symphony cycle by the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by its chief conductor Jukka-Pekka Saraste, offers a unique and moving experience.