Staatsoper in the Schiller Theater

– © Thomas Bartilla

Aida – © Marion Schöne

Der Freischütz – © Monika Rittershaus

Siegfried – © Monika Rittershaus

Die Zauberflöte – © Monika Rittershaus

The Berliner Staatsoper Unter den Linden (“Berlin State Opera”) combines 250 years of tradition, development and innovation unlike any other establishment in the city. The historical building on the Unter den Linden boulevard is a protected site and is going to be elaborately refurbished. As of the 2010|11 season, the Staatsoper Ensemble will therefore perform together with the Staatskapelle while the Schiller Theater undergoes a four year construction phase in Berlin-Charlottenburg.

The 2012-13 season, the third at the Schiller Theatre, will see great Wagner productions such as the premières of "Siegfried", "Götterdämmerung" and "The Flying Dutchman", with the complete Ring cycle coming in spring 2013. In addition to a broad repertoire from "Aida" to "Die Zauberflöte", the State Opera is host to the débuts of many renowned singers under the direction of well-known directors such as Katie Mitchell, Hans Neuenfels, Philipp Stölzl, Calixto Bieito and Claus Guth.

The Staatsoper’s new home features a modern layout and simple elegance. Opened in 1907, the Schiller Theater was a member of the Staatliche Schauspielbühnen Berlin (“Berlin State Drama Stages”) from 1951 until 1993 and the largest spoken theatre stage in the city. Recent years have seen the Schiller Theater mainly serve as a guest performance location for larger musical and theatre productions. The Staatsoper’s move saw the stage’s setup and technology adjusted according to the opera’s needs.