EPSG:4326

Rachmaninoff The Three Operas

Opernhaus Zürich

Hanna Glawari is the woman around whom everything revolves: emancipated, beautiful, intelligent, and the heiress of 20 million. Desired in Paris, she is destined for only one man, who simply cannot bring himself to utter the words "I love you." Director Barrie Kosky staged this ambiguous and successful early modern operetta with great opulence. Alongside quirky slapstick and revue flair, he highlights the waltz-infused nostalgia and the emotional depth of the piece. Soprano Diana Damrau makes her role debut in the title role in this revival.

The Merry Widow

A decision that irrevocably changes the world. "Doctor Atomic" depicts the dramatic night before the first atomic bomb test. At its heart is physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer, torn between scientific triumph and moral responsibility. John Adams's captivating drama, with a libretto by Peter Sellars, is based on historical accounts, poems, and documentary statements. It offers a multifaceted perspective on the destructive power of human invention. Internationally renowned artist Vanessa Beecroft, known for her monumental and provocative tableaux of the human body that straddle performance, conceptual art, and sculpture, makes her directorial debut at the Zurich Opera House with this production.

Doctor Atomic

Romeo and Juliet are outsiders in a world of rigid social conventions. In Charles Gounod's French opera, they meet at a ball: Juliet introduces herself with a lively waltz aria, while Romeo has slipped in with friends. From this fleeting moment blossoms love at first sight – and the beginning of a story as passionate as it is fateful. American director Ted Huffman focuses on the essentials, setting the action on a simple dance floor. In doing so, he once again proves himself a "delicate observer of gestures, moods, and glances" (NZZ). The young Armenian soprano Juliana Grigoryan and the star tenor Juan Diego Flórez embody the lovers.

Romeo and Juliet

Amidst the everyday dreariness of a small village, Nemorino tries to win the heart of the wealthy landowner Adina. He pins his hopes on a supposed "love potion" which he acquires from the shady Dr. Dulcamara. This potion is said to take effect after 24 hours. With Gaetano Donizetti's "melodramma giocoso," composed during the early industrial era, director Julia Lwowski makes her debut at the Zurich Opera House. The stage design is by artist Mika Rottenberg, whose playful fantasy worlds question the absurdity of modern production.

L'elisir d'amore

This special concert project is dedicated to one of the iconic figures of literary history: Ophelia from Shakespeare's "Hamlet." Between self-empowerment and tragic failure, her fate unfolds in a world dominated by patriarchal power. Conductor Raphaël Pichon weaves together music from Ambroise Thomas's "Hamlet," Berlioz's "Tristia, Op. 18," and Fauré's "Requiem" into a compelling musical portrait that illuminates the various facets of Ophelia's character. Alongside soprano Sabine Devieilhe and baritone Huw Montague Rendall, the Zurich Opera Orchestra and Chorus will perform.

Requiem for Ophélie

The biblical story of Samson and Delilah, set in ancient Gaza, illustrates how closely emotions and politics have always been intertwined. To break the power of the Hebrews, the priestess Delilah seeks to uncover the secret of Samson's strength and feigns love for him. But Samson's revenge is terrible when he brings down the temple of Delilah's people, killing himself in the process. Among the most poignant moments in Camille Saint-Saëns' most successful opera is Delilah's seduction scene, "Mon cœur s'ouvre à ta voix" (My heart opens to your voice). Mezzo-soprano Rihab Chaieb and tenor Stanislas de Barbeyrac make their stage debuts in the title roles under the direction of Gianandrea Noseda. Evgeny Titov, who skillfully combines sensuality with psychological depth in his work, directs.

Samson and Delilah

Rodolfo, a young, unsuccessful writer, is seeking inspiration when a young woman unexpectedly appears on his doorstep: Mimì only wants to relight her extinguished candle, but their encounter unfolds one of the most moving love stories in operatic literature. Director Ole Anders Tandberg presents "La bohème" as a poetic fantasy about four provincial artists who dream of great success and suddenly find themselves immersed in the Parisian artistic myth. Giacomo Puccini's score unites some of his most famous arias and touches the audience with undiminished emotional power. Anna Netrebko will sing the role of Mimì in several performances.

La bohème

Giuseppe Verdi's "Don Carlo" unites political power struggles and unrequited passion in a monumental operatic drama. The Spanish Infante Carlos loves the French princess Elisabetta. When his father, King Philip II, marries her for political reasons, Carlos comes into conflict with the ruler. Against the backdrop of the atrocities of the Spanish Inquisition and the Flanders War of Independence, Giuseppe Verdi created a work that is as moving as it is highly dramatic. Petr Popelka, one of the rising stars of the younger generation of conductors, returns to the podium of the Zurich Opera Orchestra. Lise Davidsen sings Elisabetta di Valois.

Chorus of the Zurich Opera

1 - 28 Nov, 2026

Rachmaninoff The Three Operas

Dec 27, 2026 - Jan 13, 2027

The Merry Widow

7 - 28 Feb, 2027

Doctor Atomic

Feb 12 - Mar 5, 2027

Romeo and Juliet

Apr 25 - May 21, 2027

L'elisir d'amore

Chorus of the Zurich Opera