Vienna Volksoper: Salome

Composer: Richard Strauss
Libretto: Adapted by Richard Strauss from Salomé
Premiere: 1905, Dresden
Style: Opera in one act

Salome is a gripping psychological drama of desire, obsession, and the abuse of power, inspired by the biblical story of Salome.

At the court of King Herod, the young Princess Salome becomes captivated by the imprisoned prophet Jochanaan (John the Baptist). Drawn to his purity and unwavering faith, she attempts to win his affection, but he rejects her and denounces the corruption of Herod's court.

Herod, infatuated with Salome, persuades her to perform the mesmerizing Dance of the Seven Veils, promising to grant her any wish in return. After the dance, Salome demands the head of Jochanaan on a silver platter. Though horrified, Herod reluctantly keeps his promise.

When Jochanaan's severed head is brought before her, Salome declares her love for the prophet in a chilling final monologue. Appalled by her obsession and the horrifying consequences of his own promise, Herod orders the guards to kill her, bringing the opera to its shocking conclusion.

Essence / Das Wesentliche

Salome is one of the most groundbreaking operas of the twentieth century, renowned for its lush orchestration, psychological intensity, and extraordinary dramatic power. Richard Strauss masterfully explores obsession, desire, innocence, corruption, and the destructive consequences of unchecked passion, creating a work that remains as provocative and compelling today as at its premiere.

The Volksoper Wien, or Vienna People's Opera, is one of Vienna's major opera houses. It's located in the 9th district and is renowned for its diverse programming that includes operas, operettas, musicals, and ballets. Founded in 1898 originally as a straightforward theatre, it has developed into a globally recognized venue for accessible performances of a wide range of musical theater genres.

The Volksoper is Vienna's leading house for operetta, the lighter, more accessible cousin of opera, often involving spoken dialogue alongside music. It serves as a complement to the more formal Wiener Staatsoper, offering performances that appeal to a broader audience, including children and families. The repertoire includes classics by composers such as Johann Strauss, Franz Lehár, and Emmerich Kálmán, alongside well-known operas and popular musicals.

The Volksoper also has a commitment to cultivating new talents and features performances by up-and-coming artists as well as established stars. With approximately 300 performances a year, it plays a pivotal role in Vienna's cultural scene, providing entertainment that is both high in quality and varied in style. This opera house is an integral part of Vienna's rich musical heritage, offering a more casual and inclusive approach to the performing arts.