Pressmeddelande -
Peter Grimes, Otello, Sharon Eyal, Crystal Pite and more – here is our 24/25 season!
New opera productions of Peter Grimes, Otello and Der Schauspieldirektor. Swedish premiere for the musical Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and Malin Byström in concert.
Dance with strong female focus by Sharon Eyal, Bobbi Jene Smith, Crystal Pite and Mari Carrasco.
Also: The Göteborg Opera’s 30th anniversary, dance festival and revivals of Madama Butterfly, Carmen, Tosca, Hammer, 12 Songs with Ane Brun and Solo Echo.
This and much more in The Göteborg Opera’s 2024/2025 season.
Henning Ruhe, Artistic Director Opera/Drama:
– “It must be believed to be seen,” sings Willy Wonka in the musical Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. This quote encapsulates the innermost nature of performing arts, with their ability to change our inner world and take us beyond what we thought was the truth – if we allow them to. The magic of performing arts is our chocolate factory. In the coming season, we’ll encounter a number of characters who face challenging questions about what is and isn’t true. The title character in Verdi’s Otello has his own perception of reality, shaped by the influence of his surroundings. The villagers in Britten’s Peter Grimes believe their worst suspicions about the enigmatic fisherman Peter. Tchaikovsky’s Iolanta is blind to the surrounding world and must construct her own inner world view. In Mozart’s Der Schauspieldirektor, a question is posed: where is the line between parodic reality and real parody? The revivals of Carmen, Tosca and Madama Butterfly also explore unstable realities and their fatal consequences. The mini-musical eLove recounts a story of love beyond what the eyes can see. The orchestral concerts Fairytale Concert, The Four Seasons and In Memoriam conjure up inner images through music, as do the wonderful voices in the Grandi voci series. Children and teenagers discover new worlds in Hillary the Witch Goes to the Opera and The Secret of the Factory. This season, we celebrate 30 years of amazing experiences, and we invite audiences to “believe it to see it” in our dream factory by the river.
Katrín Hall, Artistic Director Dance:
– This dance season shines the spotlight on strong female voices, both well-known icons and rising stars. We’ll celebrate the 30th anniversary for both the Göteborg Opera and the Gothenburg Dance and Theatre Festival with a unique collaboration, Atlas Song – in which Imre and Marne van Opstal’s choreography meets the music of Gothenburg artist Anna von Hausswolff – which will be performed live. Sharon Eyal stages her fourth work with us and the legendary Crystal Pite will update her acclaimed Frontier, combined with our first world premiere by interesting rising star Bobbi Jene Smith and Or Schraiber. We welcome back the highly popular 12 Songs by Kenneth Kvarnström – featuring dancers, artist Ane Brun, guest musicians and orchestra – as well as Alexander Ekman’s Hammer. Yoann Bourgeois’ We Loved Each Other So Much will be paired with Crystal Pite’s Solo Echo, and at the Göteborg Opera Dance Festival in May 2025 the house will be a melting-pot of various dance and music experiences – where people can watch, listen, socialise, participate and explore. International tours are an important part of the company’s identity, and will take us to yet new horizons this season. Workshops and participation will encourage exchanges between dancers and curious people of all ages. We will continue opening our doors to as many people as possible, exploring unknown territory and developing contemporary dance. Always with the goal of creating magical and memorable experiences through dance.
- The full repertoire and further details about each production, casts and artistic teams in opera, musicals, dance, concerts, regional premieres and tours and Skapa activities for the 2024/25 season: https://www.opera.se/en/2024-2025/
- Press photos: https://opera.qbank.se/mb/?h=2...
- Ticket on-sale dates: Subscriptions can be purchased from 26 March. Tickets for performances taking place between August 2024 and January 2025 go on sale on 11 April.
- For press enquiries, please contact press@opera.se, Marie Branner: +46 (0)31 10 80 35, Emil Rinstad: +46 (0)31 10 80 68
SELECTION BY GENRE IN CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER:
The Göteborg Opera 30 Years: Opera, musical theatre, dance and concerts – we celebrate all our art forms with two magnificent gala performances to mark our 30th anniversary. Our dance company opens with Crystal Pite’s Solo Echo, followed by a musical potpourri. After the intermission, soloists, together with the opera chorus and orchestra will perform some of our most popular operatic hits from the past 30 years. In the week leading up to the gala weekend, activities will be arranged that tie in with the 30th anniversary. 5 and 6 October 2024.
OPERAS AND MUSICALS:
Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: Renowned Swedish singer and entertainer Ola Salo plays the role of the iconic confectioner Willy Wonka in the Swedish premiere of the musical Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, based on Roald Dahl’s eponymous classic children’s novel. The musical director is West End conductor Michael England, and the stage director is musical theatre veteran Mattias Carlsson. In collaboration with set designer Lucy Osborne (Cabaret, 22/23), they create a twisted world brimming with nostalgia, scary surprises and whimsical confectionary landscapes. Musical by Marc Shaiman, Scott Wittman and David Greig. Swedish translation by Erik Fägerborn. Swedish premiere 21 September 2024.
Otello: Verdi’s masterpiece exploring rage and obsession is staged in Gothenburg for the first time in 55 years. Celebrated Swedish Court singer Michael Weinius makes his role debut as Otello, one of his dream roles, and the acclaimed Julia Sporsén sings the role of Desdemona. The 60-strong opera chorus portray a condemning and divisive society. Behind the production, which takes place in a stark, isolated setting, are award-winning director Rafael R. Villalobos and set designer Emanuele Sinisi. Conductor Vincenzo Milletarì. Premiere 23 November 2024.
Peter Grimes: Benjamin Britten’s first, foremost and most popular opera is a masterpiece exploring mistrust, guilt and vulnerability in closed communities. The small community with its condemning inhabitants and the relentless sea are the protagonists of the drama. Peter Grimes, a fisherman who is acquitted of murder charges but condemned by the villagers, is portrayed by Joachim Bäckström. Peter’s only confidant, Ellen Orford, is sung by Matilda Sterby. This production, inspired by the Swedish west coast, is directed by British award-winning director and video designer Netia Jones. Conducted by Christoph Gedschold, Chief Conductor of the Copenhagen Phil. Premiere 8 March 2025.
eLove – the Internet Dating Musical: This is the European premiere for this touching musical about two disillusioned, middle-aged, newly single people seeking love on the online dating site eLove. After being matched with each other, a surprise awaits them. The roles are played by Ingahlill Wagelin and Lars Hjertner. Director: Mattias Ermedahl, who directed Sir Arne’s Treasure in 2022 to great audience and critical acclaim. Script, lyrics and music by Wayland Pickard. Additional lyrics by Sherry Netherland and Deborah Johnson. Swedish translation by Lars Hjertner. European premiere 12 March 2025, Small Stage. Subsequently touring in Västra Götaland.
Der Schauspieldirektor & Iolanta: Tchaikovsky’s fairy tale opera Iolanta is double billed with Mozart’s comic singspiel, Der Schauspieldirektor, which serves here as a playful overture. With a new Swedish libretto and directed by Staffan Aspegren Der Schauspieldirektor portrays chaotic rehearsals for a production of Iolanta. Tchaikovsky’s work is about a blind princess who is so closely protected that she doesn’t realise she’s blind. In director Christian Räth’s interpretation, Iolanta lives closed off in her own world. The cast includes Kerstin Avemo, Julia Sporsén, Luthando Qave and Adam Frandsen. Conductor Aivis Greters. Premiere 4 May 2025.
Revival premieres: Carmen (24/8/2024), Tosca – now with Swedish Court singer John Lundgren as Scarpia (26/9/2024), Madama Butterfly, with Ida Falk Winland debuting in the title role (18/1/2025).
DANCE:
Atlas Song: A fusion of dance and live music. Dutch siblings and star choreographers van Opstal return here following To Kingdom Come in 2023, together with internationally acclaimed Gothenburg musician, composer and singer Anna von Hausswolff. A collaboration between the Gothenburg Dance and Theatre Festival and The Göteborg Opera to mark their joint 30th anniversary. World premiere 23 August 2024. Also performed on 25 August.
12 Songs & Sharon Eyal: Kenneth Kvarnström's 12 Songs was a hit with audiences in 2023, featuring artist Ane Brun and GöteborgsOperans Danskompani together with the Göteborg Opera Orchestra and guest musicians. Here it is combined with a new work by star choreographer Sharon Eyal, who returns to the company for the fourth time. Their previous collaboration, SAABA, has toured the world since its world premiere in 2021. Revival premiere and world premiere 25 October 2024.
Dusk to Dawn: Crystal Pite is one of the most influential choreographers of our time. Here we experience a new version of her successful Frontier, originally created in 2008 for Nederlands Dans Theater. This work is combined with a world premiere by Bobbi Jene Smith and Or Schraiber, accompanied live by the Göteborg Opera Orchestra. Smith and Schraiber have previously created works for the Paris Opera and the Royal Danish Ballet. World premieres 3 April 2025.
The Göteborg Opera Dance Festival: Together with GöteborgsOperans Danskompani and visiting ensembles, the whole opera house will be brimming with dance, movement, bustle, inspiration and a world premiere for young audiences by choreographer Mari Carrasco. The festival programme will be published later. 8, 9 and 10 May 2025.
Revival premieres: Alexander Ekman’s mega-hit Hammer (31/1/2025) and Solo Echo & We Loved Each Other So Much by Crystal Pite and Yoann Bourgeois, respectively (6/2/2025).
International tours: GöteborgsOperans Danskompani is in great demand internationally and will continue touring in 2024/2025. Locations and dates to be updated on opera.se.
CONCERTS:
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Grandi Voci: In this concert series featuring exceptional voices, we meet Malin Byström with pianist Magnus Svensson 8/9/2024, Luthando Qave, Michael Sikich (piano) 17/11/2024, Julia Sporsén, Henning Ruhe (piano), 21/2/2025, Kerstin Avemo, Karin Holm (piano) 18/3/2025.
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In Memoriam: Exactly 30 years after the sinking of the M/V Estonia, we honour the memory of those who died with an orchestral concert with music by Arvo Pärt, Gustav Mahler and Richard Strauss. Soloist Julia Sporsén. Conductor Patrik Ringborg. The Göteborg Opera building, which is shaped like a ship, was inaugurated three days after the sinking of the Estonia, and the concert marks the start of The Göteborg Opera’s anniversary week. 28 September 2024.
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Fairytale Concert: Fairytale themed orchestral concert with solo singers. Music by, among others, Dukas (The Sorcerer’s Apprentice), Dvořák (Rusalka) and Ravel (Mother Goose suite) and Strauss (Till Eulenspiegels lustige Streiche). Conductor Constantin Trinks. Soloists Mia Karlsson, Adam Frandsen. 1 December 2024.
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Twelfth Night Concert and Ball: Sweden’s largest dance floor and time-honoured tradition. This year’s concert serves up a musical cavalcade before the Main Stage is transformed into a ballroom. Conductor Jonas Nydesjö. 5 January 2025.
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The Four Seasons: Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons is conducted by Benjamin Schmid, one of the most versatile violinists of our time. This is followed after the intermission by Robert Schumann’s first symphony, known as the Spring Symphony, conducted by Martyna Szymczak. 9 February 2025.
- From screen to stage in two concerts: Score featuring computer game music and For Better or for Worse with well-known film music. Master of Ceremonies: Rickard Söderberg. Conductor: Martyna Szymczak. 4 June 2025 (Score), 25 May and 5 June 2025 (For Better or for Worse).
CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE:
Hillary the Witch Goes to the Opera: Hillary the Witch wins tickets to a performance at The Göteborg Opera, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary, and brings the audience into the world of opera. For families with children aged 5-10. Opera by Peter Lundh. Directed by Louise Ahsell. Premiere in autumn 2024 on the Small Stage, touring in Västra Götaland in spring 2025.
The Secret of the Factory: a Christmas family adventure with music ranging from Baroque pieces to traditional Saint Lucia and Christmas classics. Opera soloists and the Göteborg Opera Youth Choir. perform with the Göteborg Opera Orchestra. Script by Anders Wängdahl. Conductor: Sergei Bolkhovets. Director: Mattias Ermedahl. From age 6. Premiere 12 December 2024
The Year 2 Choir: During the academic year 2024/25, pupils in Year 2 at Gothenburg’s schools will practise and sing under the direction of educators from Kulturskolan, the City of Gothenburg’s cultural pedagogic programme. At the end of the school year, hundreds of 8- and 9-year-olds will sing together on the Main Stage at The Göteborg Opera. A collaboration with Kulturskolan Göteborg. 27 May 2025.
Relaxed Performance: an informal performance where everyone is welcome, whatever their age and abilities. Ska vi läka lite? (Let’s Heal Together.) Newly written piece about Mio, who is having a birthday party. By and with David Oest (music and lyrics) and Hanna Brehmer (lyrics). Musical director Per Larsson. Performance on 30 November 2024. On 22 March, there will be a relaxed performance of Hillary the Witch Goes to the Opera.
In addition: Family Sing-Along (31/8/2024), Ego – performance with the Senior Youth Choir (13 and 14/4/2025), New dance piece for young people, by Mari Carrasco (world premiere 8/5/2025), The World of Fairytales – family concert with the Children’s Choir and Junior Youth Choir (24/5/2025). Plus: Autumn, February, and Easter holiday activities with open house events, concerts and performances.
TOURS IN VÄSTRA GÖTALAND:
Late Summer Concert: Soloists Kerstin Avemo, Julia Sporsén, Tobias Westman and Mats Persson sing arias and other pieces from the new season as well as their own personal favourites. Pianist Anders Ottosson. Master of Ceremonies Göran Gademan. Premiere 15 August 2024 at Skövde Kulturhus. Subsequently touring in Västra Götaland.
Katarina Karnéus and friends: As part of our 30th anniversary celebrations, internationally acclaimed Swedish singer Katarina Karnéus will tour Västra Götaland with prominent soloists from The Göteborg Opera. 16–27 October 2024.
eLove – the Internet Dating Musical: This is the European premiere for this touching musical about two middle-aged, newly single people seeking love on the online dating site eLove. After being matched with each other, a surprise awaits them. The roles are played by Ingahlill Wagelin and Lars Hjertner (more information above). European premiere 12 March 2025, Small Stage. Subsequently touring in Västra Götaland.
The Göteborg Opera on Tour: The Göteborg Opera’s singers and pianists tour Västra Götaland. They will perform a mix of great classics and personal favourites. Spring 2025.
Hillary the Witch Goes to the Opera. For families with children aged 5-10. Opera by Peter Lundh (more information above)
Tour in Västra Götaland, spring 2025
IN ADDITION: Gothenburg Culture Festival, chamber concerts, guided tours, introductions, post-show talks and physical introductions. We continue connecting with a new and younger audience with activities such as Opera in Schools and our children’s and youth choruses.
