Special Weekend for Classical Music Lovers
Berlin. The Staatsoper Unter den Linden, in collaboration with BMW, is set to host a remarkable weekend on 23 and 24 May 2026. This year marks the 20th edition of “Staatsoper für alle,” a cornerstone of Berlin’s cultural landscape that offers free access to high-quality opera and concerts at the picturesque Bebelplatz.
Live Broadcast of “Nabucco” Kicks Off the Event
The festivities commence on Saturday, 23 May, at 6.00pm with a live broadcast of Giuseppe Verdi’s renowned opera, Nabucco. This production centres on the struggles of two peoples and features the iconic chorus “Va, pensiero.” Directed by Emma Dante, this iteration premiered at the Staatsoper in 2024. The cast includes Igor Golovatenko, Lidia Fridman, Tareq Nazmi, Elena Maximova, Andrés Moreno García, Clara Nadeshdin, Junho Hwang, and Hanseong Yun, with the Staatskapelle Berlin performing under Francesco Lanzillotta’s baton.
A Grand Open-Air Concert on Sunday
The following day, 24 May, will see Bebelplatz transformed into an open-air concert venue starting at 1.00pm. The Staatskapelle Berlin, under General Music Director Christian Thielemann, will present the BMW Classics concert. The programme features Beethoven’s Overture to Coriolan, Op. 62; Symphony No. 6 in F major, Op. 68 (“Pastoral”); and the Overture to Egmont, Op. 84.
Children’s Opera Prelude Sets the Stage
Before the main concert on Sunday, a special prelude will take place at 11.30am. Conducted by Giuseppe Mentuccia, the Staatsoper’s children’s opera orchestra and youth choir will perform works by Jacques Offenbach, Charles Gounod, and Jules Massenet. Soloists include Sonja Herranen, Sandra Laagus, Serafina Starke, Junho Hwang, and Irakli Pkhaladze.
A Landmark Celebration Under Official Patronage
“Staatsoper für alle” operates under the patronage of Berlin’s Governing Mayor Kai Wegner. The event will be moderated by journalist Petra Gute and promises to attract numerous notable guests for its red-carpet occasion.
A Long-standing Partnership with BMW
This annual event highlights the enduring partnership between the Staatsoper Unter den Linden and BMW. Over its two decades, it has become a staple of Berlin’s cultural calendar, providing access to high-calibre performances for tens of thousands each year.
Event Schedule Overview
- Saturday, 23 May 2026: Live broadcast of Verdi’s “Nabucco” at 6.00pm.
- Sunday, 24 May: Pre-programme by Children’s Opera Orchestra at 11.30am.
- Sunday, 24 May: BMW Classics concert at 1.00pm featuring Beethoven’s works.
- Admission: Free for all attendees.
The BMW Group’s Cultural Engagement can be followed on Instagram at @BMWGroupCulture.
© BMW Group
