Aveline Kirana
A comprehensive and ambitious opera and recital season has been announced, promising a rich tapestry of operatic masterpieces and intimate Lieder performances. Spanning from September 2026 through May 2027, the program features a stellar lineup of international artists, celebrated conductors, and a diverse repertoire that will undoubtedly captivate opera aficionados and newcomers alike. The season is poised to be a landmark event, showcasing renowned productions alongside exciting revivals and a special focus on family-friendly programming.
A Season of Masterworks: Grand Operas Take Center Stage
The season opens with a robust presentation of some of the most iconic works in the operatic canon. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s enchanting opera, Die Zauberflöte, will receive two distinct stagings, offering audiences multiple opportunities to experience its magical blend of comedy, romance, and philosophical depth. The first cast, gracing the stage from December 12, 2026, to May 19, 2027, includes a remarkable ensemble featuring the celebrated bass-baritone Günther Groissböck, tenor Magnus Dietrich, baritone Clemens Unterreiner, soprano Sabine Devieilhe, mezzo-soprano Slávka Zámělníková, and bass Georg Nigl. This formidable lineup suggests a production of exceptional vocal prowess and dramatic intensity.
The second cast, scheduled for a later run within the same performance window, will be led by Stefan Cerny, tenor Pavol Breslik, baritone Adrian Eröd, soprano Aleksandra Olczyk, soprano Nikola Hillebrand, and bass Michael Nagl. The dual casting strategy not only provides flexibility but also allows for different artistic interpretations of these beloved roles, potentially drawing audiences for repeat viewings. Conducting duties for these prestigious productions will be shared by Sebastian Weigle and Axel Kober, both esteemed figures in the opera world, promising masterful musical direction.
In addition to the main run of "Die Zauberflöte," a special family-oriented adaptation, Die Zauberflöte für Kinder, will be presented on February 5, 2027. This initiative underscores a commitment to fostering a new generation of opera lovers, making the complexities and wonders of Mozart’s masterpiece accessible to younger audiences.
Giuseppe Verdi’s monumental Don Carlo is slated for a significant revival, with performances scheduled from September 4 to 16, 2026. This production boasts an extraordinary cast, including Günther Groissböck as Philip II, alongside Vittorio Grigolo as Don Carlo, Étienne Dupuis as Rodrigo, Ain Anger as the Monk, Dan Paul Dumitrescu as a Count, Elena Stikhina as Elisabetta, and Eve-Maud Hubeaux as Eboli. The presence of such a high-caliber ensemble, led by the baton of Pier Giorgio Morandi, suggests a rendition that will delve deep into the opera’s political intrigue and profound human drama.
A parallel production of Verdi’s Don Carlos (the original French version of the opera) is also scheduled, running from January 17 to 31, 2027. This staging features a distinguished cast including Roberto Tagliavini, Michael Spyres, Étienne Dupuis, John Relyea, Dan Paul Dumitrescu, Nicole Car, and Eve-Maud Hubeaux. Bertrand de Billy will conduct, promising a performance that highlights the unique dramatic and musical nuances of the French text. The programming of both versions of this epic opera offers a unique opportunity for scholars and aficionados to compare and contrast these significant operatic works.
Mozart’s dramatic masterpiece, Don Giovanni, will be presented from January 19 to 30, 2027, with Christian Van Horn in the title role. He will be joined by Antonio Di Matteo, Federica Lombardi, John Osborn, Olga Kulchynska, Peter Kellner, Jana Markovic, and Jusung Gabriel Park. The opera’s exploration of morality, seduction, and divine retribution is in capable hands with Tomáš Hanus conducting, ensuring a performance that is both musically refined and dramatically compelling.
Ludwig van Beethoven’s only opera, Fidelio, will be staged from January 9 to 18, 2027. This powerful opera, a testament to hope and freedom, will feature Clemens Unterreiner, Tomasz Konieczny, David Butt Philip, Jennifer Holloway, Tareq Nazmi, Florina Ilie, and Daniel Jenz. Cornelius Meister will lead the orchestra, guiding this profound work through its dramatic peaks and emotional depths.
Comic Masterpieces and Romantic Treasures: A Diverse Repertoire
The season also celebrates the lighter, yet equally profound, side of opera with several beloved comic operas and enduring romantic works. Gioachino Rossini’s perennial favorite, Il barbiere di Siviglia, will be revived twice. The fall production, commencing October 9, 2026, stars Levy Sekgapane, Misha Kiria, Kate Lindsey, Antonio Di Matteo, and Adam Plachetka, under the baton of Leonardo Sini. The spring revival, beginning April 9, 2027, features Dave Monaco, Marco Filippo Romano, Maria Kataeva, Erwin Schrott, and Nicola Alaimo, conducted by Antonino Fogliani. This dual revival ensures that audiences can experience the wit, charm, and vocal fireworks of Rossini’s masterpiece multiple times throughout the season.
Gaetano Donizetti’s charming L’Elisir d’Amore returns with two distinct casts, commencing November 14, 2026, and running until May 18, 2027. The first cast includes Emily Pogorelc, Bogdan Volkov, and Ambrogio Maestri, conducted by Leonardo Sini. The second cast features Pretty Yende, Xabier Anduaga, Leonardo Neiva, and Peter Kálmán, with Antonino Fogliani conducting. This dual casting approach promises a vibrant exploration of the opera’s delightful story of love and mistaken identity.
Claudio Monteverdi’s groundbreaking L’Orfeo will be presented from October 25 to November 3, 2026. This early opera masterpiece, a cornerstone of the operatic repertoire, will be brought to life by Nadezhda Karyazina, Rolando Villazón, Florina Ilie, Margaret Plummer, Matheus França, Wolfgang Bankl, Hiroshi Amako, and Iurii Iushkevich, under the insightful direction of Stefan Gottfried.
Giacomo Puccini’s beloved La Bohème is scheduled for December 6 to 13, 2026. The production will feature Kang Wang, Rachel Willis-Sørensen, Leonardo Neiva, Matheus França, and Maria Nazarova, with Domingo Hindoyan conducting. This intimate portrayal of bohemian life and tragic love is sure to resonate deeply with audiences.
Mozart’s La Clemenza di Tito will be performed from September 20 to 29, 2026. The cast includes Katleho Mokhoabane, Hanna-Elisabeth Müller, Slávka Zámělníková, Kate Lindsey, Patricia Nolz, and Peter Kellner, with Cornelius Meister conducting.
Donizetti’s delightful La Fille du Régiment will be headlined by Erin Morley, with Xabier Anduaga, Misha Kiria, and Brigitte Kren. Evelino Pidò will conduct this effervescent comedy, with performances running from November 1 to 13, 2026.
Verdi’s enduring La Traviata is set to be performed from March 11 to 20, 2027. Federica Lombardi, Xabier Anduaga, and Ludovic Tézier will star, conducted by Francesco Ivan Ciampa.
Mozart’s Le Nozze di Figaro will be presented with two distinct casts. The first, from September 9, 2026, to June 14, 2027, will feature Florian Sempey, Elsa Dreisig, Andrea Carroll, Riccardo Fassi, and Alma Neuhaus, conducted by Patrick Hahn. The second cast includes Andrzej Filonczyk, Pretty Yende, Kathrin Zukowski, Peter Kellner, and Jana Markovic, with Axel Kober conducting. This extensive run highlights the enduring popularity of Mozart’s comedic masterpiece.
Georges Bizet’s exotic Les Pêcheurs de Perles will be staged from December 19 to 25, 2026, with Olga Kulchynska, Juan Diego Flórez, Davide Luciano, and Ivo Stanchev, conducted by Emmanuel.); Villam. The vibrant melodies and passionate story promise a captivating experience.
Verdi’s dramatic Luisa Miller will be performed from November 21 to 30, 2026. The cast includes Roberto Tagliavini, Freddie De Tommaso, Daria Sushkova, John Relyea, Amartuvshin Enkhbat, and Kristina Mkhitaryan, conducted by Daniele Callegari.
Alban Berg’s complex and compelling Lulu will be staged from May 17 to 26, 2027. Ilia Staple, Tanja Ariane Baumgartner, Margaret Plummer, Georg Nigl, Sean Panikkar, Wolfgang Bankl, and Olafur Sigurðarson will perform under the baton of Simone Young, promising a profound exploration of this enigmatic character.
Verdi’s powerful Macbeth will be presented from September 24 to October 4, 2026, with Étienne Dupuis, Alexander Vinogradov, Anastasia Bartoli, and Najmiddin Mavlyanov, conducted by Francesco Ivan Ciampa.
Puccini’s poignant Madama Butterfly is scheduled for November 15 to 24, 2026. Ermonela Jaho will headline the production, joined by Stephanie Maitland, Joshua Guerrero, and Attila Mokus, with Giampaolo Bisanti conducting.
Puccini’s intense Manon Lescaut will feature Elena Stikhina and Vittorio Grigolo from April 7 to 18, 2027, conducted by Giacomo Sagripanti.
Vincenzo Bellini’s masterful Norma will be performed from February 22 to March 3, 2027. John Osborn, Roberto Tagliavini, Sonya Yoncheva, and Elmina Hasan will star, conducted by Lorenzo Passerini.
Verdi’s tragic Otello will be presented from October 26 to November 8, 2026, with Jonas Kaufmann, Luca Salsi, and Nicole Car in the leading roles. Bertrand de Billy will conduct this gripping drama.
Richard Wagner’s epic Parsifal will be staged from March 25 to April 3, 2027. Simone Young will conduct a distinguished cast including Ludovic Tézier, Christof Fischesser, Matheus França, Piotr Beczała, Jochen Schmeckenbecher, and Simone Schneider.
Richard Strauss’s provocative Salome will be performed from March 19 to 31, 2027. Jörg Schneider, Monika Bohinec, Jennifer Holloway, and Tomasz Konieczny will lead the cast, under the direction of Lorenzo Viotti.
Puccini’s thrilling Tosca will feature two casts. The first, running from September 30, 2026, to March 12, 2027, stars Malin Byström, Jonathan Tetelman, and Ambrogio Maestri, conducted by Giampaolo Bisanti. The second cast includes Aleksandra Kurzak, Roberto Alagna, and Amartuvshin Enkhbat, with Francesco Ivan Ciampa conducting.
Wagner’s monumental Tristan und Isolde will be performed from April 4 to 15, 2027. Andreas Schager, Kwangchul Youn, Miina-Liisa Värälä, Adrian Eröd, and Tanja Ariane Baumgartner will star, conducted by Alexander Soddy.
Puccini’s spectacular Turandot will be headlined by Anna Netrebko, with Brian Jagde and Rosa Feola. Henrik Nánási will conduct, with performances from February 10 to 23, 2027.
Jules Massenet’s emotionally charged Werther will be presented from January 4 to 13, 2027. Juan Diego Flórez, Attila Mokus, Kate Lindsey, and Sandra Hamaoui will lead the cast, conducted by Marco Armiliato.
A Spotlight on Lieder: Intimate Recitals Illuminate Vocal Artistry
Beyond the grand opera stage, the season dedicates significant attention to the intimate art of Lieder. The recital series opens on September 22, 2026, with Günther Groissböck and Malcolm Martineau, setting a high standard for vocal and pianistic artistry.
On November 12, 2026, Simon Keenlyside will present a recital, showcasing his renowned interpretive depth. Xabier Anduaga is also slated to perform in recital on December 3, 2026, highlighting his burgeoning artistry.
A highly anticipated return to the recital stage by Jonas Kaufmann and Helmut Deutsch is scheduled for January 26, 2027, promising an evening of exceptional musical partnership. March 2, 2027, will see Piotr Beczała and Luca Salsi join forces for a powerful vocal collaboration.
On April 13, 2027, Nicholas Ofczarek and Georg Nigl will be joined by Olga Pashchenko for a unique recital offering. The Lieder series will conclude on May 25, 2027, with a performance by Juan Diego Flórez, a fitting finale to a season dedicated to the art of the song.
Special Concerts and Community Engagement
The season also includes special concert events, further enriching the programming. A significant "Oper für Alle" concert on September 6, 2026, will feature Piotr Beczała, Juan Diego Flórez, Asmik Grigorian, and Ludovic Tézier, offering a dazzling showcase of operatic talent and accessible programming.
Analysis and Implications
The breadth and depth of this announced season reflect a commitment to presenting a comprehensive operatic experience. The dual casting for several major productions is a strategic move that not only mitigates risks associated with artist availability but also offers audiences diverse interpretations of key roles, potentially boosting ticket sales and audience engagement. The inclusion of "Die Zauberflöte für Kinder" demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to audience development, aiming to cultivate a passion for opera from a young age.
The programming of both "Don Carlo" and "Don Carlos" is a notable curatorial choice that speaks to a desire to explore the evolution of Verdi’s dramatic vision and the stylistic differences between the Italian and French versions. This can serve as an educational opportunity for the opera-going public. Furthermore, the extensive Lieder series underscores the importance of song repertoire in a well-rounded musical season, providing a platform for artists to explore a different facet of their artistry and engage with audiences in a more intimate setting.
The significant number of performances spanning a wide array of composers and periods suggests a robust operational capacity and a strong financial foundation for the presenting institution. The extensive performance dates for operas like "Le Nozze di Figaro" and "Die Zauberflöte" indicate confidence in the enduring appeal of these works and the ability to sustain audience interest over extended runs. The presence of numerous internationally acclaimed artists, alongside rising stars and established conductors, positions this season as a major cultural event on the global opera calendar. The careful curation of repertoire, balancing popular demand with artistic exploration, promises a season that is both commercially successful and artistically significant.
