Discover the 2016 – 2017 season!
Even though the stage direction doesn´t always receive undivided approval, Munich’s Bayerisches Staatsoper is most certainly the first opera stage in the world. Current music director Kirill Petrenko, is soon to join the Berlin Philharmonic, a clear sign of the quality of the institution. The intelligent programming is admirably served by luxurious distributions.
The greatest artists as Jonas Kaufmann and Anja Harteros almost seem to be residents at the Nationaltheater. This season, none of the important artists are missing. Roberto Alagna sings La Juive, Klaus Florian Vogt interprets Wagner, Joseph Calleja, the rare Mefistofele. Besides the sublime Harteros, Anna Netrebko will come to Munich in the role of Lady Macbeth in Verdi, Nina Stemme is Turandot and Elektra, Sonya Yoncheva will shine in La Traviata and Diana Damrau sings the Countess in Nozze di Figaro by Mozart. The picture would not be complete without the great names of orchest leaders such as Andris Nelsons, Kirill Petrenko and Vladimir Jurowski. Although it is not the main part of the season, the ballet programming is quite remarkable with Giselle (Petipa) and choreographers Frederick Ashton, John Cranko, Christopher Wheeldon, Kenneth MacMillan or even John Neumeier.
But it is undoubtedly in July when the Bavarian State Opera sparkles most with its famous festival, the Munich Opernfestspiele. A digest of the best of the season in the best opera houses … Inevitably, one needs to book seats in Munich as soon as possible to be assured of tickets for the performances by some of the most anticipated artists. Jonas Kaufmann, of course, in Andrea Chénier and La Forza del destino with Anja Harteros comprises an essential date, although the rest of the productions are at the same exceptional level. Eva-Maria Westbroek and Karita Mattila compete in Jenufa. Diana Damrau plays Lucia, Christian Gerhaher interprets Wolfram.
The famous productions of the repertoire are programmed throughout the season but not only that. Some rarities are also definitely worth a visit as Die Gezichneten by Schreker or the contemporary South Pole by Srnka with Thomas Hampson and Rolando Villazón. Some well known titles yet rarely played are also worth exploring such as Boito’s Mefistofele, the Fiery Angel by Prokofiev or simply Boris Godunov. No matter how you look at it, the Munich season is very seductive and offer plenty opportunities to visit the Bavarian capital again this season …
