Opera

This season, the opera department continues to explore the diversity of what musical theater can be today. The focus is on special forms. In Benedikt von Peter's production of Brecht/Weill's parable about capitalist excess, ‹Aufstieg und Fall der Stadt Mahagonny› the audience can follow the action throughout the entire theater and become residents of the supposed paradise city.

The zarzuela, the Spanish form of operetta, promises an unusual encounter. For the first time, the most popular work of this genre will be performed at Theater Basel: Barbieri's turbulent ‹El barberillo de Lavapiés›. In addition, a musical premiere will be staged that breaks down the genre boundaries between popular and classical music: ‹Grand Finale›. Philipp Stölzl and Jan Dvořák (‹Andersens Erzählungen›) wrote the ghost and gangster story, while Christoph Israel's music is indebted to classic French film musicals as well as jazz influences.

To mark the 100th birthday of György Kurtág, the Swiss premiere of his only opera to date, ‹Fin de partie›, is scheduled. Kurtág transforms Beckett's ‹Endspiel› into an apocalyptic and absurd literary opera. In the Baroque era, it was common practice to invent imaginative new pieces from old music: in the form of pasticcio. Thom Luz has undertaken a piece about the world-famous fantasist Don Quixote, bringing together music from versions ranging from Conti to Massenet.

In addition to all these special productions, the program also includes classics such as ‹Macbeth›, ‹La Cenerentola›, and revivals of ‹La traviata› and Simon McBurney's acclaimed production of ‹Zauberflöten›.

Curious? We look forward to exploring together!

Basel Symphony OrchestraOperaAvenirOpera Choir Opera Choir Academy (OCA) Basel Girls' ChoirBasel Chamber OrchestraLa Cetra Baroque Orchestra

A complete list of the opera's ensemble & team can be found here:

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