Almost 350 Years of Music History
The Hamburgische Staatsoper (lit.: 'Hamburg State Opera') is one of Europe鈥檚 leading opera houses: The diverse programme, which spans almost 400 years of music history, includes outstanding opera performances and captivating ballets. From baroque opera to world premieres of works by contemporary composers, the repertoire includes opera and ballet classics as well as less frequently performed treasures of modern music theatre.
The Beginnings of Opera in Hamburg
Ever since art-loving citizens founded Germany's first public opera house at G盲nsemarkt in 1678, the Hamburg State Opera has played a decisive role in Hamburg's cultural life. By staging works by great composers such as Handel, Telemann and Keiser, the Hamburg State Opera soon played a key role in Europe. After its demolition in 1763, the Ackermann'sches Com枚diantenhaus (鈥楢ckermann's Comedy Theatre鈥�) was initially built and later renamed Deutsches Nationaltheater (鈥楪erman National Theatre鈥�). Even Mozart's operas were performed here from 1782.
Relocation to Dammtorstra脽e
In 1827, the new building, designed by German architect Carl Friedrich Schinkel, opened on the site of the present-day State Opera on Dammtorstra脽e street. With 2800 seats and outstanding acoustics, this new municipal theatre was able to hold its own on the international stage. Alongside celebrated successes by great composers such as Verdi and Wagner, the opera was dogged by financial worries during this period, until in 1873 the new theatre director Bernhard Pollini was able to secure public funding for the first time.
Opera Business During the World Wars
During the First World War, the theatre managed to maintain the number of performances even though many employees had been called up for military service. In 1926, a renovation of the fly tower, supported by the parliament, was inaugurated and is still in use today. During the Nazi era, Heinrich K. Strohm, a loyal supporter of the regime, took over as director. The festival celebrating the 260th anniversary of the opera house was held under his leadership. Among those in attendance at the Meister der deutschen Oper (鈥楳asters of German Opera鈥�) performances were Hitler, Goebbels and von Ribbentrop. In August 1943, the opera house was completely destroyed except for the fly tower.
Post-War Period to Today
In 1946, thanks to dedicated residents of Hamburg, a new beginning was attempted with a production of Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro. From 1953, a new auditorium was built based on plans by German Bauhaus architect Gerhard Weber. Ever since this new building was opened in 1955, the Hamburg State Opera has developed into an internationally acclaimed opera house with a great artistic diversity.
Currently, Georges Delnon, Music Director of the State Opera, and Kent Nagano, the Hamburg General Music Director and Chief Conductor of the Philharmonic State Orchestra, are well aware of the institution's important tradition. As artistic directors, they have set themselves the goal of creating a unique and recognisable profile that balances the careful cultivation of a broad repertoire with a striking passion for the new.
For current schedule and more information, please see .
Address
Hamburgische Staatsoper
Gro脽e Theaterstrasse 25
20354 Hamburg
Getting There
U1 trains to Stephansplatz
U2 trains to G盲nsemarkt
Bus lines 4, 5 or 19 to Stephansplatz or G盲nsemarkt