Bayerische Staatsoper Returns to Shanghai After 41 Years

The renowned **Bayerische Staatsoper** will return to Shanghai from **October 1 to 6, 2025**, marking its first visit to the city in **41 years**. This highly anticipated event will take place during the Bavarian Resonance – Shanghai Grand Theatre 2025 Opera Festival, showcasing the power of German opera through a series of notable performances. A cast of over **300 performers** will grace the stage, featuring a staged production of **Wagner’s “Der fliegende Holländer,”** a concert performance of **Verdi’s “Otello,”** and a symphonic concert by the **Bayerisches Staatsorchester**.

Originally debuting in China in **1984**, the **Bayerische Staatsoper** made its mark by performing at the Shanghai Grand Theatre, under the baton of conductor **Wolfgang Sawallisch**. That inaugural tour included performances of **Mozart’s “Le nozze di Figaro”** and **“Die Zauberflöte,”** alongside concerts of works by **Weber, Mozart**, and **Bruckner**. This visit was significant, as it opened a window for Chinese audiences into European opera, leaving a lasting impression on critics and opera enthusiasts alike.

Cultural Landscape Shift

Since that initial visit, Shanghai has undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving into a cultural hub with numerous new theatres and concert venues. The city’s skyline now boasts state-of-the-art facilities, supported by a vibrant community with a deep appreciation for classical music and robust public investment in the arts. Against this backdrop, the return of the **Bayerische Staatsoper** signifies not just a reunion but a renewed cultural dialogue between **Munich** and **Shanghai** that spans nearly half a century.

The festival will kick off with a production of **“Der fliegende Holländer,”** directed by **Peter Konwitschny**, known for his provocative interpretations and previous controversies at **Nürnberger Oper**. Conducted by **Vladimir Jurowski**, this performance promises a fresh take on Wagner’s work, continuing Konwitschny’s reputation as a significant interpreter of the composer’s operas.

Following this will be a concert rendition of **Verdi’s “Otello,”** featuring an impressive international cast. The production will see **Armenian tenor Arsen Soghomonyan** as Otello, **American soprano Ailyn Pérez** as Desdemona, and **Russian baritone Aleksei Isaev** as Iago. Conducted by **Daniele Rustioni**, this performance is expected to deliver an intense and moving experience.

Symphonic Finale and Cultural Reflection

The residency will conclude with a symphonic concert by the **Bayerisches Staatsorchester**, again under the direction of **Vladimir Jurowski**. The program will include **Mozart’s Symphony No. 32 in G major, K.318**, Symphony No. 25 in G minor, K.183, along with **Richard Strauss’s “Till Eulenspiegels lustige Streiche”** and the **“Der Rosenkavalier” Suite**.

Despite this illustrious lineup, the absence of works by Chinese composers highlights an ongoing issue within European music institutions. The reluctance to fully embrace China as an equal contributor to the global music scene remains notable, even after **41 years** since the Bayerische Staatsoper’s last visit.

As the festival approaches, anticipation builds within Shanghai’s cultural community, eager to welcome back a significant player in the world of opera. The 2025 festival will not only serve as a celebration of art but also as a reminder of the evolving relationship between European and Chinese cultural landscapes.