Opened in 1869, the Wiener Staatsoper is regarded as one of the world’s leading opera houses, and is particularly renowned for having the largest repertoire. The season runs from September to June and offers over 300 performances each year, featuring more than 60 different opera and ballet works, in which the leading international singers, dancers and conductors regularly appear. Bogdan Roščić has been Director of the Vienna State Opera since the 2020/21 season. With the start of his directorship, the Vienna State Opera established an opera studio to provide targeted and practical support for outstanding vocal talents over a two-year period. Similarly, the development of young audiences remains a key focus of the management – an extensive programme for young audiences under the age of 27 (U27) has been launched. Since 2024, the new venue NEST – Neue Staatsoper has also offered a programme specifically for children, teenagers, young adults and families, as well as participatory projects and workshops. Solo concerts by internationally acclaimed artists, ensemble matinees, matinees by the Opera Studio and the Ballet Academy of the Vienna State Opera, and chamber music concerts by the Vienna Philharmonic complement the programme. The annual Vienna Opera Ball is a social highlight of international standing.
