The Vienna Opera Summer returns on July 1, 2026, with Carmen.

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Twelve Opera Performances

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Spectacular Stage Setting

International Star Cast

Vienna Chamber Orchestra

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Selected Gastronomy

The 3rd Vienna Opera Summer presents Georges Bizet's “Carmen”

From July 1 to 18, 2026, the opera arena at Heumarkt will be transformed into a stage full of passion, music, and drama: experience Georges Bizet's world-famous masterpiece “Carmen.”
As in La Traviata 2025, the composer of the opera, Georges Bizet himself, guides us through the evening, recounting the plot and revealing exciting details about the creation of his only successful opera. Immerse yourself in the story of the seductive Carmen, who captivates all men and changes the life of the shy soldier Don José forever. Between love, jealousy, freedom, and betrayal, a gripping drama unfolds, culminating in a fatal finale. An opera full of rousing melodies, burning emotions, and great passion.
The Vienna Opera Summer presents Georges Bizet's “Carmen” From July 1 to 18, 2026, the Opera Arena at Heumarkt will be transformed into a stage full of passion, music, and drama: experience Georges Bizet's world-famous masterpiece “Carmen.” As with La Traviata in 2025, the opera's composer, Georges Bizet himself, will guide you through the evening, narrating the plot and revealing exciting details about the creation of his only successful opera. Immerse yourself in the story of the seductive Carmen, who captivates all men and changes the life of the shy soldier Don José forever. Between love, jealousy, freedom, and betrayal, a gripping drama unfolds, culminating in a fatal finale. An opera full of stirring melodies, burning emotions, and great passion. Translated with DeepL.com (free version)

CARMEN 2026

The Vienna Opera Summer returns on July 1, 2026, with the open-air cultural highlight of the summer: CARMEN by Georges Bizet.

Be sure to secure one of the coveted tickets for your preferred date.

The Vienna Opera Summer presents Georges Bizet's “Carmen” From July 1 to 18, 2026, the Opera Arena at Heumarkt will be transformed into a stage full of passion, music, and drama: experience Georges Bizet's world-famous masterpiece “Carmen.” As with La Traviata in 2025, the opera's composer, Georges Bizet himself, will guide you through the evening, narrating the plot and revealing exciting details about the creation of his only successful opera. Immerse yourself in the story of the seductive Carmen, who captivates all men and changes the life of the shy soldier Don José forever. Between love, jealousy, freedom, and betrayal, a gripping drama unfolds, culminating in a fatal finale. An opera full of stirring melodies, burning emotions, and great passion. Translated with DeepL.com (free version)

Take a look back at La Traviata at the 2nd Vienna Opera Summer 2025

The Vienna Opera Summer: an opera festival for Viennese and international visitors

The event was originally initiated by the "Friends of the Vienna Opera Summer" association and its artistic director Joji Hattori. With the vision of keeping Vienna vibrant as a cultural metropolis even during the summer months, the Vienna Opera Summer stands for accessibility without sacrificing artistic excellence.

We are creating a festival that aims to capture the hearts of both Viennese residents and international visitors by presenting the world's most beautiful and significant operas without too much avant-gardism.

Prices

  • VIP-Plus
    VIP-Plus € 269,--
  • VIP
    VIP € 249,--
  • Category A-PLUS € 159,--
  • Category A € 139,--
  • Category B € 119,--
  • Category C € 99,--
  • Category D € 79,--
  • Category E € 59,--

ATTENTION: Premiere Postponed to
Thursday, July 2, 2026

Dear visitors to the Vienna Opera Summer,

Unfortunately, the weather conditions on the opening night of Georges Bizet’s CARMEN yesterday prevented us from performing as planned.

The premiere therefore had to be postponed to Thursday, July 2, 2026.
The tickets for the premiere remain valid for the rescheduled date.

Status: Premiere of CARMEN at the Vienna Opera Summer on Thursday, July 2
Admission: from 18:00
Show starts at 7:45 p.m.

Thank you for your understanding
Your Vienna Opera Summer Team

As of: Wednesday, July 1, 10:00 a.m. (Updated Thursday, July 2, 7:30 a.m.)

There are still a few tickets available for the rescheduled event on July 2.

Photocredits

MAGMAG, Shutterstock, Freepik, Flaticon, iStock, Wikipedia, Picasa, Anna Stöcher, Dopedonut, Ricardo Herrgott, Shirley Suarez, Deniz Arslan, Caroline Olava, Stephan Polzer, Yale Duval, Michael Strobl, Praticia Narbon, Jörg Zimmer und Christine Wegscheider, Homolka, Taro Morikawa, Nadine Wuchenauer, Wolfgang Hirt, Johannes Siglär, Marcel Plavec, Andras Illes / Istvan Zsiros, Luisa Zoe, Maria Frodl, C.Stadler/Bwag, Liliana Morsia, Richard Schuster, Marinus Kreit, Nancy Horowitz, Stela McMillan, Markus Morawetz Photography, Moritz Schell, Anastasiia Kvasnovska, Julian Pirker, Markus Sibrawa, WienTourismus / Peter Rigaud, Nico Eder, Lukas Schraml, InterContinental Vienna, Gourmet, Gösser, Andreas Tischler, Marco Sommer

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