(Photo: Bernd Uhlig) Matthias Pintscher’s new opera, “Das kalte Herz” (The Cold Heart), with a libretto by Daniel Arkadij Gerzenberg, is not a retelling of German author Wilhelm Hauff’s famous fairy tale from 1827—that text written in the spirit of the Biedermeier period, which can be read as a subtle critique of early industrialization and unbridled capitalism—but rather its condensation {…}
(Photo credit: Bernd Uhlig) The Staatsoper Unter den Linden, in partnership with Humboldt University, will host the symposium “100 Years of Wozzeck” on Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 29 & 30, 2025, at the Apollo Hall. The two-day event will bring together scholars and specialists to examine the literary, musical, and historical dimensions of Berg’s landmark modernist opera through lectures and {…}
The Staatsoper Berlin has unveiled its 2025-26 season. Premieres Bertrand de Billy conducts Lydia Steier’s new production of Offenbach’s “Les Contes d’Hoffmann.” The cast includes Pene Pati, Nina Minasyan, Julia Kleiter, Clara Nadeshdin, Roberto Tagliavini, and Ema Nikolovska. A second cast will include Benjamin Bernheim, Regina Koncz, Siobhan Stagg, Clara Nadeshdin, Alex Esposito, and Samantha Hankey. Pierre Dumoussaud conducts. Performance {…}
(Credits: Hermann und Clärchen Baus) Giacomo Puccini’s “Tosca,” adapted from a play by Victorien Sardou, was famously criticized by American musicologist Joseph Kerman, who dismissed it as a “shabby little shocker” and predicted its swift decline from the operatic canon. Despite this, “Tosca” endures as a favorite among audiences, thanks to Puccini’s brilliant music and masterful orchestration that elevate it {…}
The Staatsoper Unter den Linden has announced its 2024-25 season. Premieres Luca Salsi and Anna Netrebko team up for Verdi’s “Nabucco.” Ivan Magrì, Marina Prudenskaya, and René Pape join them. Anastasia Bartoli also performs. Bertrand de Billy conducts the new production by Emma Dante. Performance Dates: Oct. 2-26, 2024 Gounod’s “Roméo et Juliette” receives a new production featuring multiple casts. {…}
The Staatsoper Unter den Linden has announced a cast change for its production of Puccini’s “Tosca.” The company said that Jennifer Rowley will sing the title role replacing Aleksandra Kurzak. The soprano has performed the role at the Metropolitan Opera, New Orleans Opera, Philadelphia Orchestra, Semperoper Dresden, and Opera de Marseille, among others. In a statement, the soprano said, “I {…}
Sonya Yoncheva is set to give a recital at the Staatsoper Unter den Linden in Berlin on Nov. 27, 2023. The showcase will be divided up into two parts. Part one will center on romances and canzonas while part two will feature arias from four Puccini operas including “Le Villi,” “La Bohème,” “Tosca,” and “Madama Butterfly.” Yoncheva will be accompanied {…}
Daniel Barenboim has announced his resignation from the Staatsoper Unter den Linden as Music Director. The legendary conductor and pianist said, “unfortunately, my health has deteriorated significantly in the last year. I can no longer provide the performance that is rightly demanded of a general music director. Therefore, I ask for your understanding that I will give up this job {…}
The Berlin State Opera has announced the return of Daniel Barenboim to the stage. The company said, “we are very happy to announce that Daniel Barenboim will conduct the New Year’s concerts, which will take place at the Staatsoper Unter den Linden on December 31, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. and January 1, 2023 at 4:00 p.m.” The evening will include {…}
Berlin’s Staatsoper Unter Den Linden has released a statement regarding Music Director Daniel Barenboim’s medical condition. The company said, “In a personal message on his social media yesterday, Daniel Barenboim announced that for health reasons he will withdraw from some of his performing activities, especially conducting engagements, for the coming months. Artistic director Matthias Schulz, managing director Ronny Unganz and {…}
On Sunday, Sept. 4, 2022, the Staatsoper Unter den Linden will kick off its 2022-23 season with a unique showcase open to all Berliners. Between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., the company will open its doors, allowing audiences a unique experience to enter the opera house and engage with a diverse program. At 11 a.m., members of the Staatskapelle Berlin {…}
