Semperoper announces 14 new productions

The Semperoper Dresden has announced ten new opera productions and four new ballet pieces for the first season under the direction of its new artistic director Nora Schmid. Musically, the company wants to cover a broad spectrum from the Baroque to the present day, from magical fairy tales to science fiction operas, said the designated artistic director in Dresden on Thursday. In addition, 27 repertoire pieces will delight the hearts of fans. The history of the Semperoper reflects the highs and lows of the city's history, Schmid emphasized. She very much hopes that the Semperoper can make a contribution to a cosmopolitan society with its art. The first premiere will be Arrigo Boito's "Mefistofele" on September 28.

The new season marks a new beginning for the Saxon State Opera. After a six-year term of office, Artistic Director Peter Theiler is saying goodbye and handing over the reins to Nora Schmid, who was Chief Dramaturg in Dresden before her time as Artistic Director of Graz Opera. Christian Thielemann is also stepping down as chief conductor of the Staatskapelle Dresden and will be replaced by the Italian Daniele Gatti. There is also a new ballet director in the form of choreographer Kinsun Chan.