75 Years Komische Oper Berlin

“Music that does not grow out of the theatrical process has nothing to do with theatre, and a theatre piece that does not identify with the music with precision and artistic validity would be better done without music.” Under this motto, founder Walter Felsenstein created new standards for the opera stage worldwide. The fate of the Komische Oper Berlin continued to be shaped by strong directorial personalities as in no other opera house: Walter Felsenstein was followed by Joachim Herz, Harry Kupfer, Andreas Homoki and most recently Barrie Kosky. In addition, Kurt Masur, Kirill Petrenko and Vladimir Jurowski launched their international careers here, and also provided valuable musical impetus.

The history of the orchestra has always been a reflection of German history, from division to reunification, from the reconstruction of Berlin, which was almost completely destroyed—the Komische Oper Berlin is one of the few theatres whose auditorium remained almost intact—to the upcoming modernisation for the opera of tomorrow.

In a festive gala (staged by opera and film director Axel Ranisch) we revisit the 75-year history of the house on Behrenstraße, in sound and image, and with lots of music. Celebrate the first 75 years of Komische Oper Berlin with us and the ensemble!