Theatres
All theatres at a glance - Raimund Theater, Ronacher, Theater an der Wien & Wiener Kammeroper
Raimund Theater Vienna´s first musical theatre
From traditional to musical theatre: Fantastic productions for the whole family
Where today spectacular musical productions with fantastic stage design and scenery, captivating choreography and celebrated stars fill the stage, Viennese audience favourites such as Paula Wessely and Attila Hörbiger were first discovered. Founded in 1893 as a suburban theatre for an extremely wide circle of visitors, the theatre first housed traditional theatre works. From 1908 however, operettas were played with increasing demand which due to their great success were frequently months ensuite.
The success of the operetta productions lasted up to the 1970's, due largely to rising stars à la Marika Rökk, Zarah Leander und Johannes Heesters. It was not until 1976 that the first scattering of musicals began to fill the stage of the RAIMUND THEATER. However, the true musical triumph of the legendary house began after major refurbishments in the mid-1980s, and integration into the VBW.
A CHORUS LINE, in 1987, was the first of the major Broadway Show Collection performed. This laid the foundation for the rise of the RAIMUND THEATER as the first choice for musicals on a large scale.
Ronacher Vienna´s latest musical theatre
Historic building meets state of the art technology
The theatre presents classics such as TANZ DER VAMPIRE, comedies such as THE PRODUCERS and also selective insiders’ tips such as FRÜHLINGS ERWACHEN or THE INFERNAL COMEDY – JOHN MALKOVICH IST JACK UNTERWEGER It stages urban music theatre and targets a new audience partially with stage productions and partially with concertante versions. These productions also prove that the RONACHER has the courage to display a different kind of humour. A long-standing gap in the market of Viennese music theatre has therefore now at last – and intelligently – been filled.
Theater an der Wien The new opera house
For over two hundred years, the Theater an der Wien has stood for the renewal of musical theater.
A large number of important operas, operettas and musicals premiered here. Founder and theater impresario Emanuel Schikaneder had the house built in 1801 in the spirit of Mozart.
Anchored between tradition and innovation, the Theater an der Wien combines sensuality, virtuosity and entertainment value and makes musical theatre tangible and accessible in a contemporary and touching way. The stagione operation provides the organizational framework to meet these demands, supported by the top performances of the most versatile artists, ensembles and orchestras and a team that sees itself as ambassador and pioneer of a visionary music theatre. A diverse program brings together old and new works as well as rarely or never performed rarities from a wide variety of eras and styles in exciting new productions and virtuoso concert performances.
In order to preserve the unique history and charisma of the Theater an der Wien, the historic house will undergo a comprehensive general renovation beginning in March 2022. During the two-year renovation period, the theatre will move to Halle E in the MuseumsQuartier Wien for two seasons starting in fall 2022. The reopening of the house in its new splendor is planned for fall 2024.
Kammeroper
The Kammeroper was established in 1953 and is an integral part of Vienna's cultural life. The over 60-year-old cultural institution has been operated by Theater an der Wien since the 2012/13 season. Following the withdrawal of the federal government as a subsidy provider in 2011, a new concept for the performance of a young ensemble of singers was developed together with the supporting association of the Wiener Kammeroper and in coordination with the City of Vienna. The diverse spectrum of the intimate chamber opera repertoire complements the repertoire of the Theater an der Wien.
For the new line-up of the Kammeroper starting with the 2022/23 season under the new artistic direction of Stefan Herheim, the MusikTheater an der Wien is expanding its support for young talent with CAMPUS. Highly talented young artists will continue to be at the center of the action, but without tying them to a permanent ensemble. Among other things, students from various European universities will regularly appear on stage in appropriate roles together with established singers. In this way, the young artists benefit from the experience of established performers and can participate in master classes. In addition, the young format LATE NIGHT is a program for night owls: from musical cabaret to jazz, from improvisation to chanson, from baroque to ballroom, everything is possible.
