The Netherlands is a treasure trove of artistic brilliance, offering a diverse array of performances that capture the essence of creativity. From the innovative dance repertoire of Made in the Netherlands to the enchanting melodies of Die Fledermaus, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you're captivated by the elegance of ballet or the rich narratives of opera, the Dutch National Opera & Ballet has curated an impressive lineup this season, featuring premieres, renowned classics, and heartwarming performances. Join us as we explore these spectacular events and the talented artists who bring them to life.

A Glimpse into the Netherlands' Artistic Marvels: Ballet, Opera & More

Dive into the rich tapestry of performances by the Nationale Opera & Ballet, where ballet and opera converge to create unforgettable experiences. From the innovative 'Made in the Netherlands' ballet showcase to the profound operatic narratives of 'Those First People' and 'We Are the Lucky Ones', these events highlight the extraordinary talents and creativity that define Dutch artistry. Join us as we explore the myriad of performances that are set to captivate audiences with their dynamic expression and powerful storytelling.

A Symphony of Movement and Melody: Unveiling the Dazzling Events by the Nationale Opera & Ballet

From timeless operatic tales to innovative dance performances, the upcoming season at Nationale Opera & Ballet promises a captivating journey through diverse narratives and creative expressions. Highlights include the introspective 'We Are The Lucky Ones,' a tribute to Oum Kalthoum's legacy in 'OUM,' and the exploration of power in 'Boris Godunov.' With celebrated artists and visionary productions, audiences are set to experience a rich tapestry of cultural storytelling.

Harmony and Heritage: A Season of Opera and Dance at the Nationale Opera & Ballet

In 2025, Amsterdam's National Opera & Ballet is set to host a series of remarkable performances that delve deep into storytelling and artistic expression. From the ruthless world of Lady Macbeth to the rich tapestries of Strauss' Die Frau ohne Schatten, audiences will be treated to a spectrum of narratives brought to life through ballet and opera. With contributions from talented choreographers, directors, and performers, each event promises to offer a unique and compelling glimpse into the depths of human emotion and creativity.

A Season of Creative Exploration: Amsterdam's 2025 Opera and Ballet Extravaganza

As Amsterdam gears up for its 750th anniversary celebration in 2025, the Nationale Opera & Ballet hosts a series of riveting performances that promise to captivate audiences. From the intriguing ballet of 'Lady Macbeth' to the contemplative opera 'Boris Godunov', these events showcase a spectrum of artistic expression. Featuring notable figures such as choreographer Helen Pickett and conductor Marc Albrecht, these performances highlight the city's rich cultural tapestry and commitment to the arts.

Celebrating Art and Expression: A Journey through Amsterdam's Performances in 2025

This summer, Amsterdam becomes a vibrant stage for an exciting array of performances, showcasing the immense talents of the Nationale Opera & Ballet. From the gripping drama of 'Boris Godunov' to the dynamic movements in 'In C,' the 2025 lineup promises a rich tapestry of cultural and artistic expression. With celebrated productions like 'Other Dances' and the inspiring 'Dancers of Tomorrow 2025,' audiences are in for an immersive experience that celebrates both tradition and innovation in the performing arts.

Celebrating Artistry: A Summer of Opera and Dance in Amsterdam

The National Ballet Academy recently entered a new phase in its existence with a brand new building. In this 'state of the art' dance house, pupils and students work all year round to perfect their technique. Culminating in the highlight of the academic year: the sparkling and always heart-conquering end-of-year performances on the big stage of National Opera & Ballet.

Dancers of Tomorrow 2025

National Opera & Ballet

In 2025, Amsterdam will celebrate its 750th anniversary and the National Ballet will celebrate the occasion with Sasha Waltz' In C. This impressive production, which is somewhere between improvisation and choreography, is performed not only by the dancers of the National Ballet and the Junior Company, but also by residents from the seven boroughs of Amsterdam - from teenagers to seniors and from untrained dancers to folk dancers. and hip-hoppers.

In C

In 2025, Amsterdam will celebrate its 750th anniversary, and we're marking the occasion in a big way with Let Amsterdam Dance (Heel Amsterdam Danst)! On 15 June, residents from eight districts of Amsterdam will come together on the stage of Dutch National Opera & Ballet for their own performance of In C. This ballet by choreographer Sasha Waltz treads the line between improvisation and choreography. From teenagers to seniors, and from untrained dancers to folk dancers and hip-hop artists – everyone is taking part!

Let Amsterdam Dance

Nationale Opera & Ballet

In the Holland Festival 2025, The National Ballet pays tribute to pure, abstract dance. New for the company is Other Dances by the American grandmaster Jerome Robbins. This choreographic jewel is combined with two recent highlights: Ted Brandsen's The Chairman Dances and David Dawson's The Four Seasons .

Other Dances

Infanticide, cunning monks and a tsar falling prey to madness. In his large-scale choral opera, the Russian composer Modest Mussorgsky tackled a theme that is still relevant today: the extremes to which a hunger for power can lead. Celebrated director Kirill Serebrennikov brings his own experiences in Russia into a grippingly topical reading of the work.

Boris Godunov

'A dazzling total work of art' and 'sparkling and imaginative music theatre'. This is how the new dance opera How Anansi liberated the stories of the world was received at its world premiere in 2021. This season, the National Ballet and the National Opera are therefore once again highlighting the story about the resourceful fairytale spider Anansi with a lot of passion, verve and humor.

How Anansi liberated the stories of the world

In partnership with Opera Zuid and Nederlandse Reisopera, Dutch National Opera has developed a new concert experience. Together, the companies will be touring the Netherlands with a Purcell programme centred around the short opera Dido and Aeneas. This music from more than 300 years ago is interpreted by a new generation of opera singers under the leadership of the young Baroque specialist Camille Delaforge.

Dido and Aeneas

Muziekcentrum Enschede

Musis Sacrum

PLT - Theater Heerlen

With Die Frau ohne Schatten , composer Richard Strauss and librettist Hugo von Hofmannsthal created a layered fairy tale about two couples in search of meaning and new life in a cold and barren world.

The Frau ohne Schatten

Whether it's winter or summer: Male Jacket is always ice-cold. Shivering, he goes looking for warmth, but even a thick layer of winter coats doesn't help. Is there nothing at all that can make Little Man Jacket stop shivering?

Mr. Coats

The American theater and film choreographer Helen Pickett is praised as 'one of the few prominent women in contemporary ballet'. For her Dutch debut, she delves into the mind of the ruthless Lady Macbeth together with director James Bonas and composer Peter Salem.

Lady Macbeth

Fifty years after her death, the significance of the Egyptian singer Oum Kalthoum (ca. 1900 – 1975) is still indescribably great. In the new music theater performance OUM, her influential musical universe is combined with the book Visage retrouvé by the renowned writer and director Wajdi Mouawad.

The director Gregory Caers will once again be in the Opera Forward Festival. After offbeat productions with students in previous editions of OFF, in 2025 he will be working with a large group of young people from Rotterdam’s vocational theatre school, two Amsterdam student choirs (VU-Koor and Studentenkoor Amsterdam) and other students from (art) colleges around the Netherlands.

Codes

The end of a war. A child's birthday party. A wall falls in the center of the city. A first kiss. The economy collapses. A new millennium. It's getting warmer. Friends die. And everyone keeps buying new mobile phones.

We Are The Lucky Ones

Choreographer George Balanchine was not only crazy about women, but also about jewelry. In his Jewels the two come together in a masterful way: inspired by the most exclusive gemstones, the most important choreographer of the twentieth century pays tribute to women and to the French, American and Russian ballet styles respectively in this triptych.

Jewels

Not only has Dutch National Ballet’s Junior Company already produced many talented new dancers, but the youth ensemble is also making sure it builds up its own diverse repertoire. In the new touring programme Made in NL, the group is presenting no fewer than three premiere works by female choreographers based in the Netherlands, combined with highlights from the oeuvres of ‘Dutch Masters’ Hans van Manen and Rudi van Dantzig.

Made in NL

Chassé Theater & Cinema Breda

Flint Theater, Amersfoort

ITA, Amsterdam

Meervaart

Municipal Theater Amstelveen

Municipal Theater De Domijnen

Orpheus

Posthuis Theater, Heerenveen

Schouwburg, Hengelo

Stadsschouwburg

Theater de Veste

Municipal Theatre Utrecht

To save himself from a fatal storm, King Idomeneo promises the god Neptune that he will kill the first human he encounters. Unfortunately, that turns out to be his son Idamante. The king becomes torn between fatherly love and his promise to the gods. This fateful dilemma is central to Mozart's masterpiece.

Idomeneo, re di Creta

The first two humans on Earth fell in love. The third human murdered the fourth. Die ersten Menschen tells the story of the first family in the Biblical history of humanity, Adahm, Chawa and their two sons Kajin and Chabel. After performances in the midst of the COVID pandemic, which were highly praised by public and press alike, this ‘rediscovered’ work by Rudi Stephan is now returning to Dutch National Opera in all its glory.

Die ersten Menschen

The first two people on earth were in love. The third man killed the fourth. Die ersten Menschen tells the story of the first family in the Biblical history of humanity: Adahm and Chawa and their sons Kajin and Chabel. After the successful performances of the work during the corona pandemic, Rudi Stephan's unknown work, but 'excavated' by Dutch National Opera, returns in full glory.

Those first people

“A wonderful performance for young and old,” wrote NRC after the premiere of Een lied voor de maat . And Theaterkrant concluded that the performance “deserves to be kept in the repertoire”. We kept that in mind: due to the overwhelming success, we are bringing the heart-warming youth opera back to Studio Boekman this Christmas holiday.

A song for the moon

Nutcrackers are, according to a German folk legend, good luck charms. And that statement certainly applies to the international ballet world: since the premiere of the original version in 1892, The Nutcracker has become the most beloved and most visited ballet in the world, especially around the holidays. Also in the Netherlands, where 325,000 visitors have already been enchanted by the heart-warming version by Toer van Schayk and Wayne Eagling.

Nutcracker & Mouse King

Transfigurations, a decadent party and lots and lots of champagne. Under the musical direction of chief conductor Lorenzo Viotti and directed by Barrie Kosky, Dutch National Opera presents the most beloved operetta by 'waltz king' Johann Strauss Jr. in the dark days of December.

That Fledermaus

Disguises, a decadent party and an awful lot of champagne. With chief conductor Lorenzo Viotti in charge of the music and Barrie Kosky directing, Dutch National Opera will be lighting up the dark December days with ‘Waltz King’ Johann Strauss II’s most popular operetta.

Die Fledermaus

Eros weeps, and in the sparkling tears appear the dark aspects of love. Conductor Raphaël Pichon – together with his Pygmalion ensemble and choir – and theatremaker Romeo Castellucci go back to opera’s roots for their brandnew production Le lacrime di Eros. Inspired by the creativity and unconstrained experimentation of Florence in the late sixteenth and early seventeenth centuries, they explore a topic that has been at the heart of opera since its very beginnings: love.

Le lacrime di Eros

Eros cries and in the glitter of his tears the dark sides of love appear. For their brand new production Le lacrime di Eros, conductor Raphaël Pichon – with his ensemble and choir Pygmalion – and theater maker Romeo Castellucci go back to the roots of opera. Inspired by the creativity and experimental freedom that prevailed in Florence in the late 16th and early 17th centuries, they explore the subject that has been central to opera since the very beginning: love.

In November 2024, Dutch National Ballet is touring the Netherlands with two highly acclaimed contemporary dance classics: Hans van Manen’s romantic Four Schumann Pieces and Alexei Ratmansky’s poetic The Fairy’s Kiss. At opposite ends of the dance spectrum, the ‘Dutch Master’ opts for an abstract approach, while the American-Ukrainian-Russian choreographer Ratmansky takes inspiration from a well-known fairy tale.

EPSG:4326

Modern Classics

Park Theater Eindhoven

Theater De Spiegel / Schouwburg Odeon

Theater Rotterdam

Théâtre du Vrijthof

Amare

In November 2024, The National Ballet will tour the Netherlands with two critically acclaimed classics of contemporary dance: Hans van Manen's romantic Four Schumann Pieces and Alexei Ratmansky's poetic The Fairy's Kiss . Two extremes of the dance spectrum, where the 'Dutch Master' opts for an abstract approach, while the Russian-American Ratmansky is inspired by a famous fairy tale.

Maastricht University

Stadsschouwburg Utrecht

Inspired by Luigi Pirandello’s meta-theatre, composer Tom Johnson wrote a piece for a group of singers who have only four notes at their disposal (A, B, D and E) and couldn’t sing about anything other than the opera they are now performing in. Of course, such is an impossible situation: the opera ends in utter rigidity.

The Four Note Opera - tour

Hotel de Doelen

Limburgzaal Heerlen

Schouwburg Odeon

“Soon Lennox longed to become brave. And preferably as quickly as possible. He was ready for that now. Fortunately, for a boy who wasn't yet brave, Lennox looked pretty cool.” A musical story about courage, friendship, and the discovery that your world becomes bigger when you know more.

Lennox

A sun-drenched 'feel good' ballet! This is how you can easily characterize Alexei Ratmansky's internationally acclaimed Don Quixote . The Russian American top choreographer created this new version of the famous ballet classic for the National Ballet in 2010, resulting in a production that radiates pleasure, positive energy and the Spanish temperament.

Don Quixote

What is the ballet world’s position at the moment as regards diversity and inclusion? How ‘far’ are we in that regard at Dutch National Ballet? What needs to change? And what do young dancers in our company think about it? On Wednesday 9 October, the American dancer, teacher and writer Theresa Ruth Howard will discuss these questions with dancers from Dutch National Ballet and the Junior Company, and with the audience as well. The main goal of this intimate and open exchange of views is to make progress, rather than to provide answers. Because, in the words of Ernst Meisner, Associate Director of Talent Development at Dutch National Ballet, “In this rapidly changing society, we may not always find clear answers, but moving forward is something we must do, want to do and will do.”

In conversation with Theresa Ruth Howard

In one of the strongest and most evocative post-war operas, Benjamin Britten paints the moving picture of an individual who succumbs to the hypocrisy of a small community.

Peter Grimes

Stimulating creativity and giving a platform to new voices in the dance world. That is the goal of New Moves , the young choreographers program that artistic director Ted Brandsen initiated in 2003. With New Moves, the dancers of Dutch National Ballet – and often young makers from outside – are challenged to explore their choreographic talents, which produces special surprises every year!

New Moves 2024-2025

How do you rock your baby to sleep while the howls of protest are flooding through the window? Can you soothe your child at all, as the fight for its future rages all around you?

Lullaby

From their mid-thirties to their early nineties: the four choreographers in Generation Dance vary considerably in age, but what unites them is that, each in their own way, they exuberantly celebrate the power of dance. The youngest, rising star Rena Butler makes her Dutch debut in this program, in combination with two recent hit productions by Ted Brandsen and William Forsythe and an 'all-time favorite' by Hans van Manen.

Generation Dance

Can you go too far in protecting your child from the dangers of the world? Verdi's Rigoletto tells the story of a father who imprisons his daughter in an attempt to protect her from his depraved employer, the transgressive womaniser Duke of Mantua. In vain, as it turns out when his daughter ultimately falls in love, is seduced and kidnapped.

Rigoletto

Places you have never visited, doors that normally remain closed... During the Open House you are very welcome to come and take a look at the entire theater and the Decoratelier in Amsterdam-Zuidoost. Stroll around the special world behind the scenes, follow workshops, enjoy various performances and watch some sneak peeks of performances from the

Open house

A sparkling end to the ballet season: that is what the National Ballet Academy guarantees again this year, with its end-of-year production Dansers van Morgen.  Accompanied live by the Ballet Orchestra, all pupils and students of the school present themselves in an extremely diverse and energetic program. And especially because of the tenth anniversary of the Junior Company of the National Ballet, the program will be expanded this year with a festive and vibrant performance by this youth ensemble .

Dancers of Tomorrow 2024

Experience the grandeur of the "Gala 23-24 Het Nationale Ballet" at the prestigious Nationale Opera & Ballet, Grote zaal, on June 28, 2024. This magnificent event promises a night of unparalleled ballet performances, featuring a constellation of over 250 dancers, including all the first solists of Het Nationale Ballet and international guest stars like the renowned Daniil Simkin. Celebrate significant milestones with us—the ten-year anniversary of the Junior Company and the twenty-year jubilee of Ted Brandsen and Rachel Beaujean's artistic leadership, which has catapulted the group into the top echelons of international dance companies.

The evening will unfold with a Grand Défilé, showcasing the talents of dancers across all levels, followed by an exclusive surprise program. Expect an enchanting mix of famous pas de deux, previews of new creations, and highlights from Het Nationale Ballet's repertoire, all accompanied by the melodious strains of Het Balletorkest under the baton of Matthew Rowe.

Dress to impress in black tie and join us for a post-performance celebration in the foyers, making it an unforgettable night. Tickets start at €97, with a dynamic pricing system in place. Secure your spot for a dazzling display of ballet artistry and a festive gala that marks a high point in the cultural calendar.

Gala

Swinging, waving, falling, turning, jumping, rolling, bending, fooling around. On the Jump Dance Day, all young ballet lovers can do what they love most: dance of course! The best workshops and a special performance will be organized especially for everyone between the ages of 4 and 17 on Saturday, June 22 , in the ballet studios and in the main hall of National Opera & Ballet .

Jump Dance Day 2024

Not only is he the most important classical ballet choreographer of our time, St. Petersburg-born Alexei Ratmansky is also one of the biggest critics of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. After rehearsing his Giselle with the United Ukrainian Ballet, which was hastily founded in The Hague (2022), the National Ballet now presents two of his most successful and imaginative ballets in Stravinsky Fairytales : his dazzling Firebird and the European premiere of the poetic The Fairy's Kiss . Both set to the masterful music of Igor Stravinsky 

Stravinsky Fairy Tales

Child murder, devious monks and a tsar who falls victim to madness. In his grand choral opera, the Russian composer, Modest Mussorgsky deals with a theme that offers poignant parallels to today’s world: the extremes to which one man’s thirst for power can lead. The director Kirill Serebrennikov incorporates his own experiences in Russia in this highly topical production.

Arias, bubbles and pas de deux. The International Young Patrons Gala will take place on Saturday, June 8, 2024 : a cultural highlight for all opera and ballet lovers up to the age of 40! On this festive evening, the Young Patrons Circle celebrates the young talent of Dutch National Opera and Dutch National Ballet – complete with special performances, extravagant outfits and included snacks and drinks. 

International Young Patrons Gala

Liberation opera, revolutionary work of art, ode to love, utopian drama. Beethoven 's only opera Fidelio is all of that. Numerous qualifications and interpretations shroud the work in mystery, but above all demonstrate that it is a unique piece of musical theater that expresses the hope for a just, free and humane future. 

Fidelio

Do you know the butterfly effect? They say the beat of a butterfly's wings can cause a storm. So you are never too small to make a big difference. That is what the mini-opera we will be working on during the Children's Choir Festival 2024 is about! Come, spread your wings and sing along.

Children's Choir Festival 2024

Do Not Run Fly builds imaginary landscapes in an attempt to understand a world that is constantly changing. NDT 1 presents two new creations by choreographers Marcos Morau and Yoann Bourgeois and presents one evergreen from the oeuvre of Nederlands Dans Theater (NDT), Solo Echo (2012) by associate choreographer Crystal Pite.

Do Not Run Fly

Let yourself be taken on a sensory journey to the golden age of Cairo! Hear stories, play board games, taste snacks and above all: enjoy a lot of music. Radio Cairo is not an ordinary performance, but a warm experience with a colorful afternoon and evening program. An ode to the heyday of Arab culture in the mid-twentieth century. When Cairo was the cultural center of the Arab world and artists like Oum Kalthoum became world stars, thanks to the power of radio

Radio Cairo

Resistance hero, cellist, queer – but above all the first woman ever to conduct her own symphony orchestra. In collaboration with the Boon en Ster Foundation, Dutch National Opera presents a 'one woman musical' about the life of this fascinating person: Frieda Belinfante (1904 – 1995). 

Frieda Belinfante

Giacomo Puccini composed his Il trittico as a triptych of one-act plays in which shudder, sadness and laughter are successively evoked. The three short operas are now being performed together for the first time at Dutch National Opera and are the culmination of the three-year Puccini series by conductor Lorenzo Viotti and director Barrie Kosky .

Il trittico

The story about the love between Queen Elizabeth I and Robert Devereux, the Earl of Essex, forms the final piece of the so-called  Tudor trilogy by the Italian bel canto composer Gaetano Donizetti .

Roberto Devereux

Transformation, identity, connection, space and reality. These are important recurring themes in the work of choreographer Sedrig Verwoert. In previous pieces he linked these concepts to larger social issues, in his latest work Venus  he approaches them  in a different way: within the haze of our ever-changing world he goes back to the core. “And that core,” says Verwoert, “is dance.” In collaboration with designer Bart Hess, Venus becomes a multidisciplinary experience of which you as an audience are an integral part. 

Venus

Whether it's winter or summer: Male Jas is always ice-cold. Shivering, he goes looking for warmth, but even a thick layer of winter coats doesn't help. Is there nothing at all that can make Little Man stop shivering?

Mannetje Jas

Herman the pot-bellied pig doesn't like competitions. He thinks that's a hassle. The chickens cluck the loudest every morning to see who is the first, the best, the fastest. One day Herman has had enough. He'll show them who's the fastest. All the animals encourage him. But is that really that important, winning or losing?

Hup Herman!

Caprera Open Air Theatre

Fulcotheater

Leiden City Auditorium

Buiksloterkerk

De Tamboer

Podium Sprits

Dancing  Dutch  brings together four choreographers who, despite their different origins, are all rooted in our country and celebrated their first major successes here. For the first time, the National Ballet will dance a creation by Jiří Kylián , the choreographer who gave Nederlands Dans Theater international success for more than thirty years. In addition, this program includes a masterpiece by the Netherlands' most famous choreographer, Hans van Manen , and premiere ballets by Associate Artist David Dawson and Young Creative Associate Milena Sidorova .

Dancing Dutch

The Junior Company of the National Ballet has not only produced a lot of new dance talent, the youth ensemble also guarantees the development of its own and versatile repertoire. In the new tour program Made in NL, the group presents no fewer than three premiere works by female choreographers based in the Netherlands, combined with highlights from the oeuvre of 'Dutch Masters' Hans van Manen and Rudi van Dantzig.

Nationale Opera & Ballet

4 - 5 Jul, 2025

Dancers of Tomorrow 2025

15 - 28 Jun, 2025

In C

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