Daniel Barenboim Named Honorary Member of Staatsoper Berlin & Honorary Chief Conductor of Staatskapelle Berlin

The Staatsoper Unter den Linden has named Daniel Barenboim the Honorary Member of the opera house and Honorary Chief Conductor of the Staatskapelle Berlin. The company said, “Intendant Matthias Schulz and the orchestra board of the Staatskapelle Berlin are delighted to present their long-time former General Music Director Daniel Barenboim with a double award simultaneously and jointly: the Honorary Membership {…}

Apr 24, 2024

Staatsoper Berlin Announces Cast Change for ‘Lohengrin’

The Staatsoper Berlin has announced a cast change for its performance of “Lohengrin” on April 24, 2024. The company said, “For the second to last performance of Wagner’s ‘LOHENGRIN’ tonight, we are so grateful to Klaus Florian Vogt for jumping in spontaneously as the Lohengrin tonight- thank you!” He will replace Andreas Schager, who returns to the production on April {…}

Mar 26, 2024

Staatsoper Berlin 2023-24 Review: Der Ring des Nibelungen

The current “Der Ring des Nibelungen” at Staatsoper Berlin came into being in October 2022 directed by Russian director Dmitri Tcherniakov and due to be conducted by Daniel Barenboim. Sadly, though, Maestro Barenboim, had to pull out of the production because of severe health issues, a great blow to all, but so disappointing for Barenboim in his 80th year. {…}

May 23, 2023

Berlin State Opera Announces Cast Change for ‘Rigoletto’

The Berlin State Opera has announced a cast change for its performance of Verdi’s “Rigoletto” on May 24, 2023. The company said that Antonio di Matteo will sing the role of Sparafucile stepping in for Grigory Shkarupa. Di Matteo is a an Italian bass who has performed at the Teatro alla Scala, Salzburg Festival, Festival d’Aix-en-Provence, Wiener Staatsoper, Teatro di San {…}

May 17, 2023

Nadine Sierra to Perform in ‘Rigoletto’ at Berlin State Opera

Nadine Sierra will sing Gilda in “Rigoletto” at the Berlin State Opera. The soprano took to social media to state, “It seems that I am coming to Berlin for ‘Rigoletto’!!!! I will not be performing on the 19th, but coming for the final four performances! I’m excited and glad that the Berlin State Opera has asked.” Sierra will sing the performances {…}

May 14, 2023

Nadine Sierra Cancels Berlin Performances of ‘Rigoletto’

Nadine Sierra has canceled her upcoming performances of “Rigoletto” at the Staatsoper Berlin. Sierra took to social media and said that she was experiencing vocal and physical fatigue and needed to take a break. The soprano also noted that she had proposed singing the last few performances of the run but Berlin’s management did not accept. The soprano ended her {…}

Mar 31, 2023

Anna Netrebko, Marina Rebeka, Sonya Yoncheva & Elīna Garanča Lead Staatsoper Unter den Linden’s 2023-24 Season

Berlin’s Staatsoper Unter den Linden has announced its 2023-24 season. The season will showcase numerous revivals and new productions. Premieres Calixto Bieito directs a new production of Verdi’s “Aida” with Grigory Shkarupa, Elīna Garanča, Ekaterina Semenchuk, Marina Rebeka, María José Siri, Yusif Eyvazov, Ivan Magrì, René Pape, Erwin Schrott, Vladislav Sulimsky, and Alfredo Daza. Nicola Luisotti conducts. Performance Dates: Oct. {…}

Mar 30, 2023

Staatsoper Unter Linden General Director Defends Anna Netrebko’s Return

(Credit: Julian Hargreaves) Berlin Staatsoper Unter Linden’s General Director is defending his choice to bring back Anna Netrebko in a fall production of “Macbeth.” In a recent statement, Matthias Schulz said, “Anna Netrebko is a great artist” and “she has now clearly positioned herself with her actions. As far as it was possible for her, she also showed character. I think {…}

Dec 6, 2022

Countertenor Jochen Kowalski to Retire from the Stage

Countertenor Jochen Kowalski has announced his retirement at the age of 68. In a statement Staatsoper Unter den Linden said, “the career of Berlin Kammersänger Jochen Kowalski began at the Komische Oper Berlin. His roles, many in productions by Harry Kupfer, made him popular worldwide and guest appearances have taken him to all the leading opera houses in Germany as {…}

Aug 30, 2022

Daniel Barenboim Cancels Participation in Berlin State Opera’s New Der Ring des Nibelungen

Daniel Barenboim has canceled his participation in the new production of Richard Wagner’s Der Ring des Nibelungen at the Berlin State Opera due to health reasons. As a result, the tetralogy, which will be staged by Dmitri Tcherniakov, will be conducted by Christian Thielemann for the first and third cycles and Thomas Guggeis for the second cycle. In a statement, {…}

Apr 5, 2022

Rolando Villazón, René Pape, Sonya Yoncheva & Michael Volle Lead Berlin State Opera’s 2022-23 Season

The Berlin State Opera has announced its 2022-23 season featuring a new Ring Cycle. The Ring Cycle Daniel Barenboim conducts a new production of Wagner’s epic The Ring Cycle by Dmitri Tcherniakov. Wagner’s “Das Rheingold” is set to star Michael Volle, Lauri Vasar, Siyabonga Maqungo, Rolando Villazón, Claudia Mahnke, Anett Fritsch, Anna Kissjudit, Johannes Martin Kränzle, Stephan Rügamer, Mika Kares, {…}