Vienna State Opera: Eine floren­tinische Tragödie / Herzog Blaubarts Burg

Alexander von Zemlinsky, Béla Bartók 

Set in Renaissance Florence, the opera centers on Simone, a merchant, his wife Bianca, and her aristocratic lover Guido. What begins as a tense confrontation turns into a deadly game of pride and dominance.

When Simone discovers the affair, he engages Guido in a chillingly calm yet brutal duel—and kills him. In a surprising twist, this act rekindles passion between Simone and Bianca, as violence and desire become disturbingly intertwined.

A dark, compact drama about jealousy, masculinity, and the thin line between love and possession.

Herzog Blaubarts Burg

In this haunting psychological opera, Judith follows Duke Bluebeard into his mysterious castle, determined to uncover his secrets. Inside, she insists on opening seven locked doors, each revealing a deeper layer of his soul.

Behind the doors lie symbols of his inner world: torture chambers, treasures, a vast kingdom, and finally, his past wives—still alive, yet trapped in eternal darkness.

Judith becomes the last of them, as Bluebeard’s world closes around her.

A powerful allegory of love, curiosity, and the unknowable depths of the human psyche.

Essence
Together, these works create a striking double bill:
one grounded in raw human conflict, the other in symbolic, almost dreamlike introspection—both leaving a lasting emotional impact.

Vienna State Opera: A Premier Venue for Opera and Ballet in Vienna's Heart

Situated in Vienna's central Ringstrasse, the Vienna State Opera stands as a pinnacle of global opera venues and a significant cultural symbol of Austria. It boasts a tradition of top-tier opera shows featuring global stars and a distinguished ballet company.

Opened in 1869, the opera house has become emblematic of musical brilliance and artistic mastery, showcasing a wide range of performances from classic operatic pieces to modern compositions. Each year, it hosts over 300 events, including famed operas like Mozart's "The Magic Flute," Verdi's "La Traviata," and Puccini's "Tosca."

The Vienna State Opera also houses the esteemed Vienna State Ballet, which is celebrated for its performances in both classical and modern dance. The annual Vienna Opera Ball, a significant and internationally recognized social gathering, is another highlight of the cultural calendar.

Capacity: 2,284 places (of which 1,709 are seating, 567 standing, 4 wheelchair, and 4 companion seats).