Vorwort 2025
DEAR LOVERS OF OPERA AND SUMMER OPEN-AIR FESTIVALS!
It gives me great pleasure to be able to present to you the Vienna Opera Summer, Vienna's only open-air opera festival, for the second time.
This summer, we will be playing in the very center of the city, at the newly created OPERNARENA AM HEUMARKT, featuring the beautiful side façade of the Vienna Konzerthaus as the stage background, which will also be used for the impressive light projections.
For our second season, from July 1 to 19, 2025, we have chosen one of the most famous Italian operas of all time, La Traviata by Giuseppe Verdi, for you. In our version, there is the ghost of the composer, played by Oscar actor Karl Markovics, who will tell the background to the story of Violetta, the beautiful, terminally ill courtesan with the noblest soul, between the dreamlike melodies. In this way, we create an easily understandable opera experience that will delight both connoisseurs and newcomers alike, while the music sounds true to the original.
We have been able to engage outstanding artists for the realization of this ambitious project: renowned soloists, the Philharmonia Chorus, sixteen dancers and, last but not least, the Vienna Chamber Orchestra will once again be taking part. The elaborate, very large stage design was created by the internationally acclaimed set designer Manfred Waba.
My team and I will work very hard to offer you an unique open-air opera experience and we truly hope to see many happy faces after each performance.
Special thanks get extended to the Mayor of Vienna, Dr. Michael Ludwig, for his trust in our work and for bestowing us with his official Patronage. I would also like to express our sincere gratitude to our private supporters and sponsors, without whose support this festival could not take place. Looking forward to welcoming you.
With best regards,
Joji Hattori
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR - VIENNA OPERA SUMMER
