(Credit: Monika Rittershaus) Barrie Kosky’s new production of Philip Glass’s 1983 opera “Akhnaten,” running through April 20 at the Komische Oper Berlin, represents a long-overdue homecoming. This is the city most intimately connected with “Akhnaten’s” historical legacy; the archaeological treasures of the enigmatic Pharoah’s destroyed city, Tel-El-Amarna, excavated by Ludwig Borchardt with funding from the philanthropist James Simon in 1912 {…}
The Komische Oper Berlin has announced its 2025-26 season. Premieres The children’s opera “Conrad or The factory-made boy” by Samuel Penderbayne will star Mengqi Zhang, Andreja Schneider, Philipp Meierhöfer, Ulrike Helzel, Johannes Dunz, and Junoh Lee. Anne Hinrichsen conducts the production by Ruth Brauer-Kvam. Performance Dates: Oct. 10-Dec. 26, 2025 James Gaffigan conducts a new production of Strauss’ “Salome.” The {…}
The Komische Oper Berlin has canceled its production of “Mein Friend Bunbury.” Via social media, the company said, “We would like to start the year with some good news, but due to the austerity constraints in the ongoing Berlin household, it is with a heavy heart that we have to cancel the planned production of ‘Mein Friend Bunbury,’ which would {…}
Following planned arts budget cuts in Berlin, the three major Berlin opera houses, in collaboration with ballet and theater companies, released a statement. In the statement, the companies said, “We are dismayed by today’s cuts to the cultural budget. The Senate is taking the breath out of cultural life in the city. Berlin lives through its culture. The cuts that {…}
(Photo: Jan Windszus Photography) Ever since its premiere in 1742, George Frederic Handel’s “Messiah” has been considered a work of vocal and intellectual power. All the more so when it is performed in an airport hangar, with over 350 choir members, dramatically staged, on a stage over 180 feet wide. The Komische Oper Berlin hashtags #everything extraordinary – in large {…}
The Komische Oper has announced its 2024-25 season. Here is a look at the operatic performances. Premieres George Petrou conducts Händel’s “Messiah” with Damiano Michieletto directing. The soloists will include Penny Sofroniadou, Julia Grüter, Rachael Wilson, Katharina Bradić, Julien Behr, Rupert Charlesworth, Philipp Meierhöfer, and Tijl Faveyts. Performance Dates: Sept. 21-Oct. 6, 2024 Franz Wittenbrink’s kinderoper “Die kleine Hexe” will {…}
Berlin’s opera houses and orchestras have released statement against anti-semitism in reaction to current events and in commemoration of tomorrow’s 85th anniversary of the November pogroms in Germany. It also calls for peaceful co-existence. The statement reads, “Berlin’s major orchestras and three opera houses call on all Berliners to take a stand against anti-Semitism and hatred. Even in turbulent times, {…}
(Credit: Monika Rittershaus) Thomas‘ “Hamlet” is not listed under the genre Grand Opéra without reason. It features opulent music, a large chorus, a sturdy length (a good three hours plus intermission), and the need for truly excellent leading actors. The Komische Oper Berlin, together with the team of conductor Marie Jacquot and stage director Nadja Loschky, took up this challenge. {…}
The Komische Oper Berlin has announced its 2023-24 season. The season kicks off with Henze’s “Das Floß der Medusa.” Titus Engel conducts a production by Tobias Kratzer. It will star Gloria Rehm and Günter Papendell. Performance Dates: Sept. 16 – 30, 2023 Next up is the children’s opera “Nils Holgerssons Wundersame Abenteuer” by Elena Kats-Chernin. Erina Yashima conducts a production {…}
(Credit: barbaraaumueller) On April 30, 2023, Oper Frankfurt and Komische Oper Berlin will co-present the Frankfurt premiere of Handel’s “Hercules.” First premiering in January 1745, the oratorio was met with mixed reception further complicated by a run cut short due to illness within the cast. Modern musicologists have recognized Handel’s endeavor towards a new sound through the blend of opera {…}
Komische Oper Berlin has announced an upcoming production of Hans Werner Henze’s oratorio, “The Raft of the Medusa,” to be held at a hangar in the former Templehof Airport. The unconventional choice in staging comes as the company’s current home undergoes renovations over the next six years, with the company making Schiller Theater a temporary venue, along with other locations {…}