This opera, which Puccini himself considered his favorite and best work, moves everyone who hears it. In the summer of 1900, Puccini saw David Belasco’s theater piece »Madame Butterfly« in a London Theater, and was indelibly touched. It was a tragic story of very human proportions, coupled with an old-fashioned dose of Far East exoticism. As Belasco did, Puccini set his opera in the present, in the year 1904, the year of its world premiere. The strict rules and customs of Japanese society are confronted by the western world, in the form of the American marine lieutenant Pinkerton. For him, his fictitious marriage with the young geisha Cio-Cio San, also called »Butterfly«, is nothing more than an exotic romantic adventure. For her, though, it is the chance of a lifetime: Fascinated by the notion of the different, freer world that her lover could give her, she’s ready to break with everything she’s ever known. She believes steadfastly that Pinkerton will return to her, even long after he has left Japan. And when he finally does return, after three years, it spells disaster.

Madama Butterfly

Oper Leipzig

Who hasn't heard of the infamous robber Hotzenplotz? He's up to mischief again with his seven knives and pepper spray, stealing Grandma's musical coffee grinder—a birthday present from Kasperl and Seppel. Sergeant Dimpfelmoser is completely overwhelmed by this vicious robbery.

Robber Hotzenplotz

Stadttheater Klagenfurt

For political reasons, King Marke of Cornwall wants to marry the Irish Princess Isolde to secure peace between the two countries. However, Tristan, Marke's nephew and vassal, and Isolde fall in love. The basic constellation in Richard Wagner's music drama corresponds to a classic tragedy of love and jealousy, in which personal feelings and social obligations conflict. But Tristan and Isolde's love transcends all social norms.

Tristan and Isolde

It is a finale that marks a new beginning: after four years and the acclaimed productions of Die Walküre , Siegfried and Götterdämmerung , artistic director Aron Stiehl and chief conductor Nicholas Milton will bring the Klagenfurt Ring to a close with Rheingold .

The Rhinegold

How does one recognize a good song? Who decides on what basis it is to be judged?  Do you go by the opinion of the old masters, who insist that their own rules be followed to the letter, or by what you feel deep down in your heart, maybe a feeling of passionate love that you believe to contain some immediate truth? Is there perhaps a golden mean?

Aron Stiehl

Events

Upcoming events

Mar 20 - Apr 5, 2026

Madama Butterfly · Oper Leipzig

Past events

Mar 20 - Apr 5, 2026

Madama Butterfly · Oper Leipzig

Nov 20 - Dec 12, 2025

Robber Hotzenplotz · Stadttheater Klagenfurt

About

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