Leading Team 2026

Leading Team

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LEADING TEAM

JOJI HATTORI, ARTISTIC DIRECTOR & CONDUCTOR

Joji Hattori was born in Japan but spent his childhood in Vienna. Hattori is considered one of the most versatile artists today, not only performing on stage himself, but also continually surprising his audiences with original concepts and making a significant contribution to the spread of classical music without resorting to populist crossover ideas. As a conductor, he has worked with many major orchestras and opera houses, including the Philharmonia Orchestra London and the Vienna State Opera.

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DOMINIK AM ZEHNHOFF-SÖNS, STAGE DIRECTOR & CASTING DIRECTOR

The tenor and director who was born in Bonn, Germany, but has chosen to move to Vienna, has built up a considerable reputation as an opera director, especially in the German-speaking world.

His humility towards the composer, his openness, versatility and philosophy as a director, which sets the main focus on pure acting, make him an ideal partner for this project.

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MANFRED WABA, STAGE DESIGNER

Manfred Waba is one of the most renowned stage designers in Austria. His creative and detailed stage designs impress audiences and critics alike. Waba is a master at using his designs to emphasize the atmosphere of a production.

His designs often break records, such as the “Largest Violin in the World” in 2018 and the “Largest Nativity Scene in the World” in 2024/25, both on the lake stage in Mörbisch; as well as many gigantic stage sets for St. Margarethen. He has received several awards for his work, including the “Austrian Music Theater Award for Services to Music Theater” on 1.9.2024.

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JESSICA WURZER, CHOREOGRAPHER

Born in Carinthia, she studied dance, singing and music in Vienna.

Due to her stylistic versatility and her keen understanding of classical music, she is a valued and regular partner of opera director Dominik Am Zehnhoff-Söns. As a dancer and choreographer, she has celebrated multiple successes at national, European and international dance championships.

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Artists

WHEN THE COMPOSER BECOMES THE NARRATOR – Bizet GUIDES US THROUGH Carmen

At the Vienna Opera Summer 2026, Hosea Ratschiller will slip into the role of Georges Bizet's ghost. Between the acts of “Carmen,” he will tell the moving story behind the opera—its creation, its great passions, and its tragic pull—bringing it closer to the audience in a very special way. His narration will replace the dialogues in French, but all the music of the opera will be reproduced authentically and true to the original.

Immerse yourself in the emotional world of this opera and experience Bizet's masterpiece with all your senses.