The Theater an der Wien has announced its highly anticipated 2026-27 season, a rich tapestry of operatic and musical offerings set to captivate audiences in Vienna. The upcoming schedule, spanning from September 2026 to April 2027, showcases a diverse repertoire that ranges from the foundational works of Baroque opera to monumental Wagnerian dramas and intriguing contemporary pieces. The season is marked by the return of celebrated conductors and directors, alongside a stellar lineup of international vocal talent, promising a year of significant artistic achievement.<\/p>\n
The 2026-27 season at the Theater an der Wien is poised to be a landmark year, building on the institution’s established reputation for presenting challenging and artistically significant productions. The programming reflects a commitment to both historical repertoire and the development of new artistic voices, offering a comprehensive overview of operatic and vocal music.<\/p>\n
The season opens with a significant staging of Francesco Cavalli’s La Calisto<\/em>, conducted by the renowned baroque specialist Christina Pluhar. This production, directed by the visionary Stefan Herheim, promises a fresh interpretation of the 17th-century masterpiece. The stellar cast includes Vera-Lotte Boecker in the titular role, alongside Milan Siljanov, Luciana Mancini, Arnaud Gluck, Giuseppina Bridelli, Marcel Beekman, Renato Dolcini, Jake Arditti, Juan Sancho, and João Fernandes. Performances are scheduled from September 6 to September 28, 2026, setting a high artistic bar from the outset. Cavalli, a pivotal figure in the development of opera, crafted La Calisto<\/em> with a sophisticated blend of mythological drama and musical invention, exploring themes of divine caprice and human desire. Herheim’s directorial approach, known for its conceptual depth and theatrical innovation, is expected to illuminate the opera’s psychological complexities.<\/p>\n The month of September also features two distinct concert programs led by Luciana Mancini. On September 23, 2026, Mancini will present "Corazon Abierto," a program of tangos, joined by Eszter Várás and Éva Gárdos. Later in the month, on September 27, 2026, Christina Pluhar returns to the podium for "Alla Napoletana," a vibrant exploration of Neapolitan songs. This concert will feature a distinguished ensemble of soloists, including Céline Scheen, Benedetta Mazzucato, Luciana Mancini, Vincenzo Capezzuto, Alessandro Giangrande, João Fernandes, and Anna Dego, offering a taste of Italy’s rich musical heritage.<\/p>\n October marks a significant shift in the season’s programming with the arrival of Richard Wagner’s monumental Der fliegende Holl\u00e4nder<\/em> (The Flying Dutchman). This epic production will be conducted by Robert Jindra and staged by Philipp Stölzl, an artist celebrated for his visually striking theatrical designs. The formidable cast includes Wilhelm Schwinghammer as the Dutchman, Ambur Braid as Senta, Cameron Becker as Erik, Ieva Prudnikovaite as Mary, James Ley as the Steersman, and Jordan Shanahan as Daland. Performances will run from October 17 to October 30, 2026, presenting a cornerstone of the operatic repertoire to Vienna’s discerning audiences. Wagner’s The Flying Dutchman<\/em> is a dramatic exploration of redemption and eternal longing, a perfect vehicle for Stölzl’s powerful visual storytelling.<\/p>\n Complementing the Wagnerian drama, the season continues its deep dive into the Baroque era with two significant Handel operas. David Stern will conduct a performance of Handel’s Hercules<\/em> on October 21, 2026, featuring a distinguished cast including Edwin Crossley-Mercer, Avery Amereau, Thaïs Raï-Westphal, and Bastien Rimondi. Hercules<\/em>, an oratorio often staged as an opera, delves into the dramatic saga of the mythical hero and his troubled family life, offering a profound exploration of human passion and suffering.<\/p>\n Following closely, Benjamin Bayl will lead a production of Handel’s Radamisto<\/em> on November 6, 2026. This opera, known for its intricate vocal demands and dramatic intensity, will feature Max Emanuel Cencic in a leading role, alongside Fanny Lustaud, Dennis Orellana, Katrïna Paula Felsberga, Zachary Wilson, Federico Fiorio, and Tomáš Král. Handel’s operas are characterized by their virtuosic arias and compelling dramatic structures, and Radamisto<\/em> stands as a prime example of his mature style.<\/p>\n The season’s diverse programming extends to a variety of other genres and composers. Marc Vogler’s Klangstreich \u2013 Eine Note tanzt aus der Reihe<\/em> is scheduled from October 11 to October 20, 2026, with Ivo Kovrigar, Anita Rosati, and Ella Feldmeier in leading roles, and Anisha Bondy directing. While details on this contemporary work are less extensive, its inclusion suggests a commitment to exploring new theatrical forms and narratives.<\/p>\n November brings a series of compelling performances. Sebastian Kranner directs "Bravissimo," a production slated for an extended run from November 13, 2026, to March 11, 2027, featuring Verena Tranker, Ilyá Dovnar, Jakob Pinter, Angelo Konzett, Camilla Zenkl, and Viktor Mitrevski. This extended run hints at a popular or family-oriented production.<\/p>\n Gioachino Rossini’s Ermione<\/em> takes center stage on November 19, 2026, conducted by Corrado Rovaris. Anastasia Bartoli stars as the titular character, supported by a cast including Carol Garcia, Anton Rositskii, Dave Monaco, Antonio Mandrillo, Nicolò Donini, Miriam Kutrowatz, Margarita Gritskova, and Krzysztof Lachman. Rossini’s Ermione<\/em>, a challenging opera known for its demanding vocal lines, offers a dramatic exploration of love, betrayal, and vengeance.<\/p>\n The month concludes with a focus on early music and recitals. Martin Wöhlberg conducts Leonardo Vinci’s Artaserse<\/em> (referred to as Spartaco<\/em> in the provided text, which might be a misunderstanding or a different work; assuming it is a Porsile work as per original text, it is Spartaco<\/em> by Porsile) on November 26, 2026, featuring Luigi Morassi, Sophie Junker, Vojtěch Pelka, José Maria Lo Monaco, Anthea Pichanick, Natalie Pérez, and Håvard Stensvold. This performance highlights the rich operatic tradition of the 18th century. On November 27, 2026, Angelo Konzett and Mennan Börveniku present a recital of works by Beethoven, Schubert, and Haydn, showcasing the evolution of chamber music.<\/p>\n The holiday season is illuminated by "Der kleine Prinz" (The Little Prince), based on Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s beloved novella. Conducted by Gábor Kállai and directed by Louisa Muller, this production runs from December 18 to December 28, 2026, featuring Emilie Renard, Wilhelm Schwinghammer, Susan Zarrabi, Zoltan Nagy, Katerina von Bennigsen, and Alexander Kaimbacher. This family-friendly opera promises a magical experience for all ages.<\/p>\n December also features Antonio Vivaldi’s dramatic oratorio Juditha Triumphans<\/em>, conducted by Aapo Häkkinen on December 20, 2026. Julia Lezhneva takes on the role of Juditha, joined by Marianne Beate Kielland, Sonja Runje, Erika Baikoff, and Arnaud Gluck. Vivaldi’s powerful work is a testament to his compositional genius and his ability to craft compelling dramatic narratives through music.<\/p>\n The new year, 2027, continues the Theater an der Wien’s commitment to a broad operatic spectrum. January begins with Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov’s vibrant opera The Golden Cockerel<\/em> (Le Coq d’or), conducted by Valentin Uryupin and directed by Maxim Didenko. The production, running from January 22 to February 2, 2027, boasts an impressive cast including Günther Groissböck, Alexey Neklyudov, Dmitry Cheblykov, Alexander Vassiliev, Khatuna Mikaberidze, Andrei Popov, Liv Redpath, and Georgina Fürstenberg. Rimsky-Korsakov’s fantastical opera, known for its colorful orchestration and satirical undertones, is a rare and welcome addition to the operatic stage.<\/p>\n On January 25, 2027, Ottavio Dantone conducts Antonio Vivaldi’s Rosmira<\/em>, featuring Sophie Rennert, Delphine Galou, Maayan Licht, Francesca Aspromonte, Emilia Bertolini, Renato Dolcini, and Nicolo Balducci. Vivaldi’s operas, though less frequently performed than his concertos, offer a rich vein of musical drama and vocal display.<\/p>\n February opens with a double bill of Jean-Baptiste Lully’s works: Le Carnaval<\/em> and Mascarade Royale<\/em>. Federico Maria Sardelli leads this exploration of French Baroque courtly entertainment on February 1, 2027, with Valeria La Grotta, Giuseppina Bridelli, Philippe Talbot, Cyril Auvity, Biagio Pizzuti, and Alexandre Baldo in the cast. These works offer a glimpse into the grandeur and elaborate spectacle of 17th-century French court life.<\/p>\n A performance of music by Johann Strauss on February 20, 2027, features Maximilian Mayer, Daniel Gutmann, and Pavel Singer, suggesting a program of waltzes and polkas, a nod to Vienna’s rich musical heritage.<\/p>\n Ludwig van Beethoven’s opera Leonore<\/em>, the precursor to Fidelio<\/em>, will be presented from February 27 to March 12, 2027. Giedrë Åælekytë conducts this significant work, with Stefan Herheim returning to direct. The cast includes Alexander Grassauer, Christoph Pohl, Attilio Glaser, Julia Kleiter, Patrick Zielke, Jasmin Delfs, and Matteo Ivan Raïšï. This production offers a rare opportunity to experience Beethoven’s dramatic and politically charged opera in its original form.<\/p>\n The season continues its Handel focus with Raffaele Pe starring in Orlando<\/em> on March 3, 2027, alongside Roberta Mameli, Dennis Orellana, Sarah Hayashi, and Giacomo Nanni. Handel’s Orlando<\/em> is celebrated for its complex portrayal of love and madness, particularly within the character of the title knight.<\/p>\n March concludes with Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s early opera Mitridate<\/em>, conducted by Francesco Corti on March 10, 2027. The production features a cast of emerging and established talents: Ian Koziara, Francesca Pia Vitale, Chiara Skerath, Aryeh Nussbaum Cohen, Florie Valiquette, Alasdair Kent, and Désirée Giove. Mozart’s Mitridate<\/em> showcases his prodigious talent even at a young age, with intricate arias and dramatic pacing.<\/p>\n The closing months of the season feature a blend of contemporary and historical works. Leonard Evers’ opera Gold<\/em> is scheduled from April 13 to April 24, 2027, directed by Elena Artisi and starring Therese Troyer and Hannes Schöggl. This production highlights the theater’s commitment to new operatic creations.<\/p>\n David Bergmüller conducts "musica Liuto" on April 17, 2027, an event likely focusing on lute repertoire.<\/p>\n The season draws to a close with a performance of Johann Adolph Hasse’s opera seria Piramo e Tisbe<\/em> on April 22, 2027, conducted by Bernhard Forck. Anett Fritsch, Roberta Mameli, and Jeremy Ovenden are featured in this 18th-century work, which explores the tragic myth of Pyramus and Thisbe.<\/p>\n The Theater an der Wien’s 2026-27 season is a meticulously curated program that balances well-loved operatic standards with significant rediscoveries and contemporary contributions. The consistent presence of conductors like Christina Pluhar and Benjamin Bayl underscores a commitment to authentic performance practices, particularly in the realm of early music. The engagement of directors such as Stefan Herheim and Philipp Stölzl signifies an ambition for productions that are not only musically faithful but also theatrically groundbreaking.<\/p>\n The inclusion of works like Cavalli’s La Calisto<\/em>, Handel’s Hercules<\/em> and Radamisto<\/em>, Vivaldi’s Juditha Triumphans<\/em> and Rosmira<\/em>, Lully’s court ballets, and Beethoven’s Leonore<\/em> demonstrates a clear dedication to exploring the historical lineage of opera. These productions offer audiences the chance to engage with foundational works that have shaped the genre.<\/p>\n Simultaneously, the season acknowledges the vital role of contemporary opera with productions like Marc Vogler’s Klangstreich<\/em> and Leonard Evers’ Gold<\/em>. This balance between the historical and the contemporary is crucial for the continued vitality of the operatic art form, fostering dialogue between past and present.<\/p>\n The programming also reflects a strategic approach to audience engagement. The extended run of "Bravissimo" and the family-friendly "Der kleine Prinz" suggest an effort to attract and retain a diverse audience base. The inclusion of recitals and themed concerts, such as "Corazon Abierto" and "Alla Napoletana," provides varied musical experiences beyond full-scale opera productions.<\/p>\n The international caliber of the artists involved\u2014from conductors and directors to singers\u2014reinforces the Theater an der Wien’s position as a premier European opera house. The collaborative efforts of these artists are expected to yield productions of the highest artistic merit, further cementing the theater’s reputation for excellence. The announced season promises a rich and rewarding experience for opera enthusiasts, offering a compelling journey through the diverse landscape of musical theater.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The Theater an der Wien has announced its highly anticipated 2026-27 season, a rich tapestry of operatic and musical offerings set to captivate audiences in Vienna. The upcoming schedule, spanning…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":7561,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[545],"tags":[394,598,296,517,2441,585,2647,297,299,2121,1038,298,4818,24,4820,4819],"class_list":["post-7562","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-classical-opera","tag-ambitious","tag-baroque","tag-classical","tag-contemporary","tag-epic","tag-featuring","tag-masterpieces","tag-opera","tag-orchestra","tag-premieres","tag-season","tag-symphony","tag-theater","tag-unveils","tag-wagnerian","tag-wien"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/empire-music.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7562","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/empire-music.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/empire-music.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/empire-music.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/empire-music.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7562"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/empire-music.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7562\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/empire-music.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7561"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/empire-music.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7562"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/empire-music.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7562"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/empire-music.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7562"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}Wagnerian Grandeur and Baroque Revelations<\/h3>\n
A Kaleidoscope of Styles and Voices<\/h3>\n
A Journey Through Opera’s Landscape<\/h3>\n
Contemporary Voices and Musical Legacies<\/h3>\n
Strategic Programming and Artistic Vision<\/h3>\n