Aveline Kirana
Bühne Bern has officially announced its comprehensive programming for the 2026-27 artistic season, promising a diverse and engaging lineup for opera and musical theater enthusiasts. The season, set to run from August 2026 through June 2027, will feature a slate of significant new productions, eagerly anticipated revivals, and special concert events, highlighting both classic repertoire and contemporary works.
A Season of Grand Operatic Narratives
The cornerstone of the 2026-27 season lies in its ambitious new operatic productions, offering fresh interpretations of beloved masterpieces and contemporary voices.
Verdi’s "La Traviata" Takes Center Stage
The season will open with a highly anticipated new production of Giuseppe Verdi’s timeless tragedy, "La Traviata." This iconic opera, known for its profound emotional depth and exquisite score, will feature a stellar cast led by Lina Tsiklauri in the pivotal role of Violetta Valéry, Davide Tuscano as Alfredo Germont, and Jonathan McGovern as Giorgio Germont. The production is entrusted to the baton of acclaimed conductor Alevtina Ioffe, who will lead the orchestra and chorus in realizing the vision of director Raimund Orfeo Voigt. The performances are scheduled from September 19, 2026, to January 19, 2027, providing a substantial run for audiences to experience this operatic staple. "La Traviata" has been a fixture in opera houses worldwide for over a century, celebrated for its exploration of love, sacrifice, and societal constraints. Its continued popularity speaks to its universal themes and Verdi’s masterful musical storytelling. The choice of a new production signals Bühne Bern’s commitment to offering contemporary perspectives on canonical works, potentially re-contextualizing the narrative for modern audiences.
Mozart’s "Don Giovanni" Promises Dramatic Intensity
Following closely will be a new staging of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s darkly comic masterpiece, "Don Giovanni." This opera, a complex blend of seduction, retribution, and supernatural elements, will feature an ensemble cast that includes Jonathan McGovern reprising a significant role, alongside Lina Tsiklauri, Fabio Dorizzi, Sophie Kidwell, Christian Valle, William Meinert, and Patricia Westley. Alevtina Ioffe will once again assume conducting duties, collaborating with director Árpád Schilling for this new interpretation. The opera is slated for performances from November 14, 2026, to April 13, 2027. "Don Giovanni," composed in 1787, remains one of Mozart’s most performed and debated works. Its intricate musical structure and morally ambiguous protagonist continue to captivate and challenge audiences and performers alike. The collaboration with director Árpád Schilling, known for his innovative approaches, suggests a production that will likely delve into the psychological complexities of the characters and the opera’s enduring social commentary.
A Powerful Double Bill: "Cavalleria Rusticana" and "Pagliacci"
The season’s mid-point will be marked by a compelling new production of Pietro Mascagni’s "Cavalleria Rusticana" and Ruggero Leoncavallo’s "Pagliacci," presented as a classic double bill. This pairing, often staged together due to their shared themes of passion, betrayal, and violence in a rural Italian setting, promises an evening of intense dramatic and musical power. Alevtina Ioffe will conduct this new production, envisioned by director Anna Bergmann. Mascagni’s "Cavalleria Rusticana" will feature Claude Eichenberger, Ragaa Eldin, Gustavo Castillo, and Sophie Kidwell. Leoncavallo’s "Pagliacci" will star Ragaa Eldin, Lina Tsiklauri, Gustavo Castillo, Fabio Dorizzi, and Jonathan McGovern. Performances are scheduled from January 16 to May 23, 2027. The "Cavalleria Rusticana" and "Pagliacci" double bill is a cornerstone of the verismo opera repertoire. Their juxtaposition offers a potent exploration of human emotion pushed to its extremes. The new production by Anna Bergmann is expected to bring a fresh perspective to these emotionally charged narratives, while the shared cast members across both operas hint at a potentially cohesive thematic exploration.
Handel’s Baroque Masterpiece: "Xerxes"
Bühne Bern will also delve into the Baroque era with a new production of George Frideric Handel’s "Xerxes." This opera, known for its complex plot, witty libretto, and magnificent arias, will be directed by Lorenzo Fioroni. The cast includes Maayan Licht, Lidor Ram Mesika, Sophie Kidwell, William Meinert, Lina Tsiklauri, Cassandra Wright, and Dario Lupi. Clément Lonca will conduct. Performances are set to run from March 6 to June 16, 2027. Handel’s "Xerxes," first performed in 1738, is celebrated for its musical brilliance and its unconventional protagonist. The opera’s satirical edge and its exploration of love and power dynamics have ensured its place in the repertoire. The choice to stage a Handel opera reflects a commitment to showcasing the breadth of operatic history and the unique challenges and rewards of performing Baroque music.
The Beloved Musical: "My Fair Lady"
Adding a touch of classic musical theater to the season, Bühne Bern will present Frederick Loewe and Alan Jay Lerner’s enduringly popular "My Fair Lady." This adaptation of George Bernard Shaw’s "Pygmalion" is a beloved story of social transformation and unlikely romance, set to an unforgettable score. The production will star Gisa Flake as Eliza Doolittle, Tobias Bonn as Professor Henry Higgins, Christoph Marti, Heiko Pinkowski, Heidi Maria Glässner, and Fabio Dorizzi. Hans Christoph Bünger will conduct the new production, directed by Axel Ranisch. Performances will run from April 4 to June 26, 2027. "My Fair Lady" is one of the most successful musicals of all time, captivating audiences with its witty dialogue, memorable songs, and charming characters. The inclusion of this popular work demonstrates Bühne Bern’s dedication to offering a diverse artistic program that appeals to a wide range of theatergoers.
Contemporary Opera: Sarah Nemtsov’s "Ophelias Flügel"
The season will conclude with a significant new work: Sarah Nemtsov’s "Ophelias Flügel." This contemporary opera promises to engage with modern themes and musical language. The production will feature Sarah Defrise, Juliana Zara, Claude Eichenberger, Sophie Kidwell, Timothy Connor, Liudmila Lokaichuk, William Meinert, and Gerardo Garciacano. Clément Lonca will conduct the production, directed by Barbora Horáková. Performances are scheduled from June 6 to June 27, 2027. The inclusion of a contemporary opera like "Ophelias Flügel" underscores Bühne Bern’s commitment to fostering new artistic voices and presenting cutting-edge theatrical experiences. Sarah Nemtsov is a recognized composer in the contemporary classical music scene, and this commission is likely to be a significant artistic event.
Revivals and Concerts Round Out the Season
Beyond the new productions, Bühne Bern’s 2026-27 season will also feature compelling revivals and a series of engaging concert events.
Puccini’s "Tosca" Returns
The operatic repertoire will be further enriched by the revival of Giacomo Puccini’s thrilling masterpiece, "Tosca." This dramatic opera, known for its intense emotional climaxes and soaring melodies, will feature Olga Busuioc, Joseph Dahdah, and Seth Carico in leading roles. Performances are scheduled from September 26 to October 20, 2026. "Tosca" is a perennial favorite, renowned for its dramatic pacing and passionate score, making its revival a significant draw for opera lovers.
Sebastian Schwab’s "Holle!" Revived
Additionally, Sebastian Schwab’s "Holle!" will be brought back to the stage, offering audiences another opportunity to experience this work. Specific casting and performance dates for the revival of "Holle!" were not detailed in the initial announcement but its inclusion suggests continued support for a work that has resonated with the theater’s audience.
Concert Series and Special Events
The 2026-27 season will also encompass a vibrant array of concert performances, providing diverse musical experiences.
Open-Air Concert Kicks Off the Season
The season will commence with an open-air concert on August 22, 2026, conducted by Killian Farrell. This special event will feature renowned vocalists Regula Mühlemann and Fabio Dorizzi, offering a grand musical welcome to the upcoming season in a unique outdoor setting.
"Oper unterm Dach" Series Continues
The popular "Oper unterm Dach" (Opera Under the Roof) series will return, providing intimate and engaging operatic experiences. This series is scheduled to run from November 26, 2026, to April 7, 2027, offering a consistent platform for diverse vocal and operatic performances within the theater’s more intimate spaces.
Orff’s "Carmina Burana" in Concert
Concluding the concert offerings, Krzysztof Urbański will conduct a performance of Carl Orff’s monumental "Carmina Burana." The concert will feature soloists Juliana Zara, Angel Raii Gomez, and Jonathan McGovern, bringing the dramatic and percussive power of this choral masterpiece to life on June 24 and 25, 2027. "Carmina Burana" is celebrated for its vibrant energy and its iconic "O Fortuna" movement, making its performance a highly anticipated event.
The announcement of Bühne Bern’s 2026-27 season signals a robust artistic vision, balancing established operatic canon with contemporary innovation and engaging musical experiences. The diverse repertoire, coupled with a strong lineup of conductors, directors, and performers, positions the theater for another significant year of artistic achievement. The season’s programming reflects a strategic approach to engaging a broad audience while upholding the highest standards of operatic and musical theater performance.
