Extra

Every year in September, we start the season with a big party before we dive into the daily routine of operating a theater. For a day, the doors of the auditorium, the workshops, backstage, and the studios are open wide. Visitors can look forward to a colorful program from morning until evening, full of lots of behind-the-scenes moments and encounters with artists and staff. It's a day for children, young people and adults, for opera connoisseurs, ballet fans and newbies.

Clara Schumann (1819–1896) was arguably the most important pianist of her time and an excellent composer in her own right. In her new ballet, Cathy Marston traces the various aspects of Clara Schumann’s exciting life, marked by highs and lows, which she devoted entirely to music in her various roles as daughter, artist, wife, mother, nurse, manager, lover and muse.

In this series of workshops, we will examine Clara Schumann’s biography and works more closely and gain insights into Clara's rehearsal process.

Hans Christian Andersen is Denmark’s most famous author. Even 150 years after his death, his well-known fairytales are still immensely popular. Together with the Danish choreographer and director Kim Brandstrup, the Ballett Zürich will dive into Andersen’s supposed fairytale world.

This workshop series offers participants the opportunity to gain insights into the rehearsal process and learn more about the creation of the ballet Of Light, Wind and Waters. 

It’s a party that’s already very nearly legendary – the Opernhaus has already been astounded with exuberant creativity, impressive celebratory frenzy and unbridled joie de vivre at the costume party. In our humble opinion, it’s the greatest party ever! Join us one last time, when it’s time to «overdress!» at the Opernhaus to dance and party to great live bands and DJs on our stages. Come dressed as a shiny disco ball, a Disney princess or a decimal number and dive into an evening that will go down as one for the history books.

With open spaces, the Opernhaus Zürich offers individuals creative room and a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether old or young, with or without prior experience: everyone is welcome to join on Tuesdays or Wednesdays from 19:00 to 21:00, to experiment with their voices and bodies.

Our open spaces make it possible to encounter the art forms of opera and ballet in a new and active way. The events are free of charge.

Connect is a dance project for people living with neurological challenges, such as multiple sclerosis (MS) or Parkinson’s disease and offers participants the opportunity to create connections with themselves and others. Dancing is an activity that has a positive impact on physical and psychological well-being and quality of life, especially for people with neurological conditions. Creativity, ease, balance, expression, posture: all this can be rediscovered in dance.

Three Zurich dance institutions have joined forces to offer fans deeper insights into this multifaceted stage art under the title ZURICH TALKS DANCE. This discussion format offers an opportunity for public exchange on artistic, professional and pedagogical issues in the ballet world. In a wide variety of settings, including talk shows, interviews and online events, the public can learn more about the lives and work of dancers, choreographers, ballet teachers and other creatives in the dance world, as well as meet top dance professionals.

We offer introductory matinees for each of our new productions. Join us as dramaturges meet conductors, stage directors, and set and costume designers in conversation to offer their own perspectives on each work. On Sunday mornings a week or two before each premiere, you’ll have the best seat in the house as you learn about what makes each production unique.

Sun Sep 8 2024 Ariadne auf Naxos
Sun Oct 6 2024 Clara
Sun Oct 20 2024 Leben mit einem Idioten
Sun Nov 17 2024 Un ballo in maschera
Sun Jan 12 2025 Of Light, Wind and Waters
Sun Jan 19 2025 Manon Lescaut
Sun Feb 16 2025 Agrippina
Sun Mar 9 2025 Das grosse Feuer
Sun Apr 6 2025 Die tote Stadt
Sun May 4 2025 Countertime
Sun May 25 2025 Elias

The introductory matinees are normally held in German.

A variety of guided tours for both young and young-at-heart offer fascinating glimpses behind the scenes of the Opernhaus. Find out more about the history of this former Stadttheater, learn about Opernhaus operations and individual departments of the house, and discover which factors are crucial to a successful production.