Classical and Opera: Premieres, Podiums and Budgets — 2026-10-23
Italian opera houses face a wave of labor disputes, with La Scala canceling a premiere and La Fenice targeting opening nights ahead of a nationwide strike. Meanwhile, the Shanghai Grand Opera House has opened its doors, adding a massive new performance venue to the global map. In Germany, Bernd Loebe’s tenure at Oper Frankfurt has been extended through 2032, ensuring continuity for one of Europe’s leading opera institutions.
Classical and Opera: Premieres, Podiums and Budgets — 2026-10-23
Top developments
Italian Opera Houses Hit by Strikes
Opera houses in Milan and Venice are currently disrupted by labor actions. La Scala has canceled a premiere due to a contract dispute, while unions at La Fenice are targeting two opening nights in anticipation of broader nationwide strike action in Italy.
Shanghai Grand Opera House Opens
The new Shanghai Grand Opera House has officially opened, marking a significant expansion of China’s cultural infrastructure. The 146,786-square-meter complex features three acoustically designed performance halls, dedicated education and rehearsal spaces, and a rooftop observation deck, positioning it as a major new hub for international classical performances.
Bernd Loebe Extended at Oper Frankfurt
Bernd Loebe will remain the Intendant of Oper Frankfurt until 2032. Since 2002, Loebe has led the house into the European premier league, a success recognized by the city with this significant contract extension, ensuring long-term stability for the institution’s artistic direction.
Berlin’s "Brisant" Opera Premiere
Director Milo Rau is preparing a highly anticipated and controversial production of Richard Wagner’s Der fliegende Holländer at the Deutsche Oper Berlin. Local press has dubbed it the "most explosive opera premiere of the season," highlighting the tension between traditional repertoire and contemporary directorial interpretations.
Local view
In Germany, FAZ reports that the city of Frankfurt values Bernd Loebe’s leadership enough to secure his services for another six years, noting his role in elevating the house to "European top league" status. Meanwhile, Il Fatto Quotidiano in Italy reports that workers at La Scala crossed their arms during the first performance of Faust, demanding adequate remuneration to guarantee excellence, highlighting the growing financial pressure on Italian lyric theatres.
Context & numbers
The labor disputes in Milan come as La Scala prepares for its traditional December Prima. Reports indicate that the upcoming premiere of Verdi’s Otello, conducted by Myung-Whun Chung in his debut as Music Director, is already sold out. The estimated box office revenue for this single event is approximately €2.6 million, underscoring the high stakes involved in the current contract negotiations.
On the radar
- Frankfurt Opernstudio Debut: The first Soiree of the Opernstudio for the 2026/27 season is taking place this week, featuring young artists such as Alina Avagyan and Younji Yi, signaling the next generation of talent at the house.
- Semperoper Dresden Critique: Early reviews of Daniele Gatti’s musical direction for Verdi’s Un ballo in maschera at the Semperoper are praising the orchestral performance while criticizing the scenic production for lacking depth.
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