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State opera celebrates the first opera air in history with 7,000 guests!
Over 7000 visitors celebrated the first opera air of the State Opera, which is reminiscent of 80 years of destruction and reconstruction.
State opera celebrates the first opera air in history with 7,000 guests!
On September 8, 2025, the season of the Vienna State Opera opened with a special event: the first opera air that moved over 7,000 visitors to the historical framework of the opera. State opera director Bogdan Roščić emphasized that he did not want to make the beginning of the season quietly and secretly. Instead, the event was understood as part of the celebrations for the 80th anniversary after the destruction of the State Opera at the end of the Second World War.
The weather on the day of the event was stable, which Roščić was not a chance. The opening not only commemorates the destruction in 1945, but also of the reopening on November 5, 1955, which is considered a symbolic fresh start for the country. On the opening day of this season, Beethoven's "Fidelio", which stands for freedom and liberation, will be performed again in the Vienna State Opera.
Artistic performances and challenges
However, there were some challenges during the opera air. Sonya Yoncheva had to cancel at short notice due to voice problems, which caused Camilla Nylund to step in in her absence. Benjamin Bernheim, together with his wife Sandra Hamaoui, sang the famous aria from "Manon" together with his wife Sandra Hamaoui. Hamaouis soprano was consistently highlighted.
A highlight of the evening was Jonas Kaufmann, who presented the aria "Lucevan Le Stell" from Puccini's "Tosca" and thus captivated the audience. Elīna Garnča gave an outlook on the next season and sang an aria from Hector Berlioz '"La Damnation de Faust", which is to be performed in 2026/27. Young members of the opera school performed with a piece of bicets "Carmen".
Memory of the past and the future of the State Opera
The sacred memory of the history of the Vienna State Opera is particularly recognized in 2025, since the year also marks the 80th anniversary of the liberation from National Socialism and the 70th anniversary of the state contract. March 12, 1945 was particularly crucial when the state opera was badly damaged during a bomb attack. The reconstruction was supported by the provisional government and culminated in the solemn reopening, which was also shaped by political participation.
The event on September 8, 2025 shows that the Vienna State Opera is still a place of cultural identity and common memories. Roščić dared to look into the future and already spoke about possible similar events. It remains to be seen whether and how the state opera's opera air will develop in order to keep the eventful history alive.