The Dresden State Operetta
As one of very few companies dedicated to light music theatre in Europe the State Operetta Dresden offers a wide variety of operettas, operas and musical on a high quality level for almost all ages of visitors.
Next to classical operattas like „The Bat“, „Countess Mariza” or “The White Horse Inn” you can find “The Magic Flute” and “Carmen” as well as “Jekyll & Hyde”, Hello, Dolly!” and “My Fair Lady” on the theatre’s versatile schedule.
This is unique for Dresden
The State Operetta’s Johann-Strauss-Cycle
We all know Johann Strauss melodies such as „The Blue Danube“, “The Emperor Waltz” or “The Bat” and “The Gypsy Baron”.
What would the world of music and the operetta be without Johann Strauss? For more than 130 years his works belong to the portfolio of musical theatre.
For the German operetta Johann Strauss is one of the prime fathers who layed the foundation for amusement that fires the imagination and an inexhaustible richness of music which we know and love as the Viennese Operetta.
Until today we are fascinated and thrilled by his style and work. There is no question that Johann Strauss’ works just have to have a special place in the repertory of a theatre like the State Operetta Dresden.
It is no wonder that the Strauss preservation is one of main concerns of chief conductor Ernst Theis who developed an authentic performance practice. No wonder since the oeuvre of the “king of waltz” and co-creator of the classical operetta is breathtaking!
Dresden Strauss rarities
The State Operetta has to offer exceptional substance.
Apart from the popular works of Johann Strauss like „Die Fledermaus“, “Viennese Blood” or “A Night in Venice” the State Operetta as the only theatre worldwide has staged three rarities from the treasure of 16 operettas of the Viennese maestro: “Carnival in Rome” stunned in more than 50 performances audiences in Dresden as well as on tour, “The Queen’s lace handkerchief” is a playful political satire with almost as many performances and “Prince Methusalem” which prompted enthusiastic reactions from audiences and critics since its premiere in April 2009.
The critically acclaimed and celebrated musical discovery of Johann Strauss’ masterpiece “The Queen’s lace handkerchief” as well as “Carnival in Rome” have been published in the meantime on CD for the renowned classic label CPO – the first recording ever of an operetta with ensemble, choir and soloists for the State Operetta Dresden. This has drawn major attention on a national and even international level to the Johann Strauss cycle of the State Operetta Dresden. More than 40 enthusiastic reviews on the recording of “The Queen’s lace handkerchief” from Germany, Austria, Spain, Italy, the UK, France, USA or Canada are a vivid proof. Meanwhile also “Carnival in Rome” has been recorded and published for CPO.
As a result the State Operetta will enlargen its Johann Strauss cycle in the seasons to come with excitingly new music next to the well-known standards.
