Overview
- Theater Regensburg received Best Opera House of the Year for prioritizing lesser‑known works, with the jury citing “artistic excellence” and “programmatic fearlessness.”
- Intendant Sebastian Ritschel emphasized close audience engagement through introductions, talkbacks, matinées, and open rehearsals, and the house is set to be designated a Staatstheater on May 8.
- Theater Chemnitz’s new opera ‘Rummelplatz’ earned Best Festival for a premiere framed by a symposium and writing workshop that leveraged European Capital of Culture efforts despite limited resources.
- Based on Werner Bräunig’s novel with music by Ludger Vollmer and a libretto by Jenny Erpenbeck, ‘Rummelplatz’ premiered in September 2025 to sold‑out performances, added dates, and is slated to return in the 2026/27 season.
- Other honorees included Jürgen Rose (Lifetime Achievement), Barrie Kosky (Best Director), Staatskapelle Berlin with Christian Thielemann (Best Orchestra), and Cecilia Bartoli for Best Production, as the Oper! Awards presented 20 categories in what is described as Germany’s only international opera prize.