The Dutch National Opera has announced the Opera Forward Festival 2023, which will take place between March 3-12, 2023.

It all kicks off with the world premiere of Alexander Raskatov’s “Animal Farm,” directed by Damiano Michielietto. Bassem Akiki conducts a cast starring Gennady Bezzubenkov, Misha Kiria, Michael Gniffke, James Kryshak, Germán Olvera, Karl Laquit, Artem Krutko, Helena Rasker, Maya Gour, Elena Vassilieva, Holly Flack, Karl Laquit, Marcel Beekman, and Francis van Broekhuizen.

The work was commissioned and co-produced by the Dutch National Opera, Wiener Staatsoper, Teatro Massimo, and Finnish National Opera and Ballet.

Performance Dates: March 3 -16, 2023

Next up is the European premiere of Tyshawn Sorey’s “Perle Noire: Meditations for Joséphine.” Peter Sellars directs Julia Bullock and the International Contemporary Ensemble in a work that shines a light on the life and work of Joséphine Baker.

Performance Dates: March 9-13, 2023

Finally, the Opera Forward Festival ends with the world premiere of “Ändere Die Welt!” The work will be directed by Mart von Berckel and conducted by Pedro Beriso. Performers include Sam Carl, Inna Demenkova, Claire Antoine, Michael Wilmering, and Amara van der Elst.

The work is presented in co-production with Dutch National Opera, Opera Zuid, and Nederlandse Reisopera.

Performance Dates: March 11 & 12, 2023 (followed by a national tour through April 2)