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Welcome to the Friends of Zurich Opera
Friends Office
The office will be happy to assist you with any questions or requests you may have.
For questions or requests regarding your membership, the Friends Office – Katherine Waldvogel und Corinne Amsler – is happy to assist you: info@opernfreunde.ch or +41 (0)44 268 66 39.
Friends Office
The office will be happy to assist you with any questions or requests you may have.
For questions or requests regarding your membership, the Friends Office – Katherine Waldvogel und Corinne Amsler – is happy to assist you: info@opernfreunde.ch or +41 (0)44 268 66 39.
News
«Wagner-Experience»
In June 2026, the «Wagner Experience» in collaboration with the Bayreuth Festival offered a weekend filled with music, history and exclusive encounters. From attending the final rehearsal of «Tannhäuser» to exploring Wagner’s former haunts in Zurich and visiting the historic Landhaus Tribschen in Lucerne, around 60 participants followed in the composer’s footsteps. A particular highlight was the exclusive recital «Alles Wagner», performed on the Opera House stage by Wagnerian stars Catherine Foster and Klaus Florian Vogt. The weekend concluded with a festive gala dinner at the renowned Haus zum Rüden, in the company of distinguished guests from the world of opera, including Katharina Wagner and Opera House Director Matthias Schulz. We would like to thank the Bayreuth Festival for this wonderful collaboration.
General Assembly
We look forward to welcoming all members to our Annual General Meeting on Monday, 23 November 2026. The evening will take place on the main stage of Zurich Opera House. Afterwards, we look forward to a special workshop concert, where the young talents of the International Opera Studio will perform exclusively for the Friends of Zurich Opera House.
Simplified access to tickets at other opera houses
Since this season, the Zurich Opera House has been a member of «FEDORA» – a European platform that promotes innovation in opera and ballet and cultivates an international network within the opera and dance world. What does this mean for us, the members of the «Friends of the Zurich Opera» from the Patron level and up? You will now benefit from simplified access to tickets at all partner institutions – both nationally and internationally. To make use of this benefit, please contact our office directly at info@opernfreunde.ch. You will then be connected with the appropriate contact person on site.
Young community – special events
We’re continuing to grow our community of opera enthusiasts aged 27 to 35! Exclusive events designed for our younger members combine the enjoyment of opera with behind-the-scenes access, socialising and networking. Following its great success, the «Zurich Youth Summit» returns for its second edition in 2027. From 15 to 18 April, participants can look forward to an inspiring weekend celebrating art, culture, opera and ballet, with unique insights and opportunities to connect.
«Opernhaus des Jahres 2025»
The Zurich Opera House has been named “Opera House of the Year 2025”. The renowned magazine “Opernwelt” awarded the house this prestigious title in its annual critics’ survey. The award recognizes the thirteen-year tenure of Andreas Homoki, guided by the credo: quality through intensive rehearsal work, artistic responsibility, and sustainable ensemble cultivation. In addition to its artistic excellence, the Zurich Opera House also impresses economically: with a self-financing ratio of around 33% and an occupancy rate of over 90%, it ranks among the most successful opera houses in Europe. The award also marks the beginning of a new artistic phase under General Director Matthias Schulz. Building on the house’s strengths, he will further develop it with artistic integrity, openness, and the courage to explore new perspectives – navigating the balance between tradition and renewal, excellence and experimentation.
Shared joy is twice as beautiful – become an ambassador
As an opera enthusiast, your commitment and support help shape our association, the Friends of the Zurich Opera. What we care about should be allowed to flourish. Invite a new member to join – as a thank-you, you’ll enjoy the benefits of the next membership level for one season. Tip: Recommend the Friends’ Association now and enjoy even more exclusive events and benefits!
Zurich Opera House-App for members
The Friends Circle is also jumping on the digital bandwagon! You can find all your personal Friends Circle events for the entire season in your Opera House app. Download, log in, and register – it’s that easy! Need help? The office is happy to assist you.
The Orchestra of the Zurich Opera House has a new contrabassoon
Together with your support, we have made it possible for Zurich Opera House to acquire a new Heckel contrabassoon. This is a joint investment in the musical excellence and distinctive, enduring sound of our Orchestra. A heartfelt thank you to all our donors who made this possible!
«Wagner-Experience»
In June 2026, the «Wagner Experience» in collaboration with the Bayreuth Festival offered a weekend filled with music, history and exclusive encounters. From attending the final rehearsal of «Tannhäuser» to exploring Wagner’s former haunts in Zurich and visiting the historic Landhaus Tribschen in Lucerne, around 60 participants followed in the composer’s footsteps. A particular highlight was the exclusive recital «Alles Wagner», performed on the Opera House stage by Wagnerian stars Catherine Foster and Klaus Florian Vogt. The weekend concluded with a festive gala dinner at the renowned Haus zum Rüden, in the company of distinguished guests from the world of opera, including Katharina Wagner and Opera House Director Matthias Schulz. We would like to thank the Bayreuth Festival for this wonderful collaboration.
General Assembly
We look forward to welcoming all members to our Annual General Meeting on Monday, 23 November 2026. The evening will take place on the main stage of Zurich Opera House. Afterwards, we look forward to a special workshop concert, where the young talents of the International Opera Studio will perform exclusively for the Friends of Zurich Opera House.
Simplified access to tickets at other opera houses
Since this season, the Zurich Opera House has been a member of «FEDORA» – a European platform that promotes innovation in opera and ballet and cultivates an international network within the opera and dance world. What does this mean for us, the members of the «Friends of the Zurich Opera» from the Patron level and up? You will now benefit from simplified access to tickets at all partner institutions – both nationally and internationally. To make use of this benefit, please contact our office directly at info@opernfreunde.ch. You will then be connected with the appropriate contact person on site.
«Opernhaus des Jahres 2025»
The Zurich Opera House has been named “Opera House of the Year 2025”. The renowned magazine “Opernwelt” awarded the house this prestigious title in its annual critics’ survey. The award recognizes the thirteen-year tenure of Andreas Homoki, guided by the credo: quality through intensive rehearsal work, artistic responsibility, and sustainable ensemble cultivation. In addition to its artistic excellence, the Zurich Opera House also impresses economically: with a self-financing ratio of around 33% and an occupancy rate of over 90%, it ranks among the most successful opera houses in Europe. The award also marks the beginning of a new artistic phase under General Director Matthias Schulz. Building on the house’s strengths, he will further develop it with artistic integrity, openness, and the courage to explore new perspectives – navigating the balance between tradition and renewal, excellence and experimentation.
Zurich Opera House-App for members
The Friends Circle is also jumping on the digital bandwagon! You can find all your personal Friends Circle events for the entire season in your Opera House app. Download, log in, and register – it’s that easy! Need help? The office is happy to assist you.
International
Debut at Carnegie Hall in New York City
In March 2027, the Zurich Opera House will make its debut in the United States, bringing Richard Wagner’s Der Ring des Nibelungen to Carnegie Hall in New York City. For the first time in the venue’s history, the complete Ring cycle will be performed there in concert form. From March 18 to 23, 2027, the Orchestra of the Zurich Opera House will present the four-part tetralogy under the baton of Gianandrea Noseda.
From 18 to 23 March 2027, the Orchestra of the Zurich Opera House will make its New York debut with the four-part “Ring” cycle. The performances will be conducted by Gianandrea Noseda, General Music Director of Zurich Opera House. The Italian-born conductor leads Wagner’s tetralogy with an outstanding international cast assembled especially for this concert series.
Join the orchestra on its journey to Paris.
International guest performances are an important part of the Zurich Opera House’s artistic work. They foster cultural exchange and strengthen the orchestra’s role as an ambassador for Zurich on the world’s great stages. In August, the Zurich Opera House appeared at the Edinburgh International Festival with Verdi’s Un ballo in maschera. In March 2027, guest performances at the Philharmonie de Paris and Carnegie Hall in New York will follow. Experience the orchestra live in Paris! If you are interested, please contact the administrative office.
American Friends of the Zurich Opera House
The American Friends of the Zurich Opera House (AFZOH) was founded in December 2024 at the Harvard Club in New York. AFZOH brings together enthusiasts of opera, ballet and classical music—including individuals, philanthropists, entrepreneurs and foundations from across America and around the world to enjoy and support the artistic, cultural, educational and outreach programmes of the Zurich Opera House.
International Friends of Zurich Opera – Germany
The "International Friends of Zurich Opera – Germany" were officially founded on 15 April 2026 at the Swiss Embassy in Berlin. The new Friends’ association brings together opera enthusiasts from Germany and provides opportunities for exchange and special encounters centred around musical theatre. Members benefit from exclusive behind-the-scenes insights, rehearsal visits and the opportunity to accompany the Orchestra of the Zurich Opera House on international tours. Additional benefits include exclusive advance ticket sales for the next season, regular newsletters and a German donation receipt.
Guest Performances by the Orchestra of the Zurich Opera House
At the beginning of the last season, 25 members joined the Board on a trip to Gstaad, where the Orchestra and Chorus of the Zurich Opera House performed Verdi’s powerful Messa da Requiem at the renowned Menuhin Festival. Encounters with Matthias Schulz, Gianandrea Noseda and the soloists, together with an exclusive programme of accompanying events, made the trip a truly special experience. At the same time, the Friends association supported the orchestra’s international touring activities.
