To the world-famous strains of Verdi's triumphal march, Kassel's new opera ship sets sail on its voyage through the ocean of the global market and the shallows of its global crises. What begins as a sensual cruise on our theatrical stage tanker in Kassel's new INTERIM venue will soon become the benchmark for a future of experiential music theater. And no sooner have we set sail than some are already grumbling that the boat is full, while others are demanding new defensive capabilities to preserve the current prosperity on deck.

Despite its crew of over 200 people—including the chorus, extra chorus, and supernumeraries, the state orchestra, the stage orchestra, the famous six distant trumpets, and the international cast of outstanding soloists—this musical ship of dreams is already listing badly on its maiden voyage with Giuseppe Verdi's Aida . For it soon becomes clear that Verdi's ecstatic love story is primarily a parable of European imperialism—especially in the popular choral scenes with their biting musical jabs at the war-mongering Prussian military and its blind obedience. This imperialistic quest for a place in the sun evokes memories of the German Empire, forcibly founded by Prussia in 1871, the year of the premiere, which is now confined to the walls of the Kassel Jägerkaserne, built in 1910. On its former parade ground, the new INTERIM of the formerly Prussian, now Hessian State Theatre Kassel will open in autumn 2025 with Verdi's monumental work.

Aida

Staatstheater Kassel

Our eighth symphony concert concludes the first concert season under General Music Director Ainārs Rubiķis, and with this concert, the State Orchestra makes its symphonic debut at the INTERIM venue. This new location is sure to leave a very special impression. This time, the focus is on the human emotional landscape. Leonard Bernstein based his Serenade for Violin and Orchestra on texts by Plato – more precisely, from his Symposium. In it, the ancient philosopher addresses one of the central themes of our existence: love. In an illustrious evening gathering, which includes a fictional Socrates, Eros and love are discussed. Bernstein's rarely performed work is one of his most personal compositions. Our concertmaster, Katalin Westermann, will perform this extraordinary serenade together with her colleagues from the State Orchestra.

8th Symphony Concert - Man III

We are once again guests at the Ballhaus this year. GMD Ainārs Rubiķis is pleased to continue the tradition of previous seasons.

Ainars Rubikis

Events

Upcoming events

Mar 7 - Apr 11, 2026

Aida · Staatstheater Kassel

6 - 7 Jun, 2026

8th Symphony Concert - Man III · Staatstheater Kassel

Jun 21, 2026

Concert at the Ballhaus · Staatstheater Kassel

Future and recently performed repertoire

Conductor in Pictures at an Exhibition by Mussorgsky

Staatstheater Kassel

Conductor in Serenade after Plato's "Symposium" by Bernstein

Staatstheater Kassel

Conductor in Aida by Verdi

Staatstheater Kassel

About

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