The Zurich Opera House is Switzerland's largest cultural institution and one of the most productive stages in Europe. With 15 to 17 new productions each year, numerous revivals, concerts, recitals, a series of experimental music theatre, innovative educational formats, collaborations with educational institutions, and over 300 performances, opera and ballet can be experienced in a unique density – from baroque to contemporary, from the classical repertoire to world premieres.
The artistic signature of the house is shaped by general manager Matthias Schulz in collaboration with general music director Gianandrea Noseda, and ballet director Cathy Marston.
Since its opening in 1891, the opera house has shaped the cultural identity of the city. It dates back to the ‘Actien-Theater’ (‘share theatre’) founded by citizens in 1834 and is still a public limited company with around 2,500 private shareholders. Around 800 employees from 40 nations create musical theatre of the highest quality here every day, supported by the canton of Zurich, sponsors, circles of friends and a loyal audience.
The Zurich Opera House strives to be a cultural anchor point, an open place for all age groups and social classes, a stage for extraordinary artistic experiences that consciously contrast the fast pace of everyday life and thereby unfold their power. In this way, Zurich Opera House combines past and present, tradition and innovation, local commitment and international appeal.
