New season at the SNG Opera in balet Ljubljana: 6 opening nights and 9 reruns

The highlight of the 25/26 season: Tristan and Isolde, directed by the legendary Robert Wilson

By re-examining the origins of our art and looking boldly into the future, we are proud to launch a new season - and a new chapter - at the Ljubljana Opera and Ballet House, guided by our new motto: Movement. Voice. Tact. Vision. As usual, this exciting season features six premieres - four operas and two ballets.    

We will kick off in October with Rossini's playful one-act opera THE JOURNEY TO RHEIMS, which recently enjoyed a tremendous success at the Europe Square in Nova Gorica. This production is a co-production between the Piccolo Opera Festival (Gorizia) and the Rossini Opera Festival (Pesaro) as part of the Go! 2025 – European Capital of Culture Nova Gorica – Gorizia project.

Many connoisseurs today regard it one of Rossini’s most significant and entertaining operas. It has captivated audiences worldwide with its musical richness and dynamic staging. The performance features an impressive number of 18 soloist roles, including 10 principal roles, a rarity in the operatic repertoire. The performance will be conducted by Marko Hribernik (alternately by Jakob Barbo) and directed by Marin Blažević.  

In November, we will present the story ballet THE PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY, choreographed by Marguerite Donlon, based on one of the most iconic works by Irish writer Oscar Wilde. This timeless philosophical novel transcends its era, tackling provocative themes and surprisingly contemporary questions of identity and consequence, while exploring superstition, morality, and the duality of human nature. The new ballet creation for the Ljubljana Ballet will be staged by Marguerite Donlon, who is recognised as one of the most innovative contemporary choreographers. The performance will feature music by a diverse line-up of composers, including Bach, Beethoven, Elgar, Debussy, Wagner, and more, all conducted by Ayrton Desimpeleare.

In February next year, we will host Wagner’s musical drama in three acts, TRISTAN AND ISOLDE. This major co-production involves the Le Monnaie Theatre in Brussels, the Royal Theatre in Madrid and the Wrocław Opera, in collaboration with the Ljubljana Festival. The production promises to be a unique musical, theatrical and cultural event – not only in Slovenia but across Europe!  

Rober Wilson, one of the most influential and visionary stage directors in contemporary theatre and opera, will direct this Wagner’s masterpiece for the first time in his nearly 60-year career. This marks a historic event for the Ljubljana Opera House, as it will showcase Slovenia’s first production of this magnificent work.  Wilson’s innovative approach to opera, his conceptualisation of formal theatre and his mastery of creating a musical experience through the abstract interplay of time and space – especially with his sophisticated use of light - perfectly complement this extraordinary score, which delves into the extremes of human existence.  The performance will be conducted by Jacek Kaspszyk, with direction, set, and lighting design by Robert Wilson.

The most popular and frequently performed opera of all time, Verdi’s LA TRAVIATA, will return to the Ljubljana Opera stage after 23 years, in March next year. This new, fresh production will be directed by Frank Van Laecke, who has captivated audiences with his unforgettable interpretations of operas, such as Lucia di Lammermoor, The Maid of Orleans, The Capulets and the Montagues, and many other outstanding performances. The production will be conducted by Ayrton Desimpelaere.

In April next year, choreographer Howard Quintero Lopez will stage an imaginative story ballet in two acts, ALICE IN WONDERLAND. This enchanting performance will be imbued with powerful choreographic expression and will feature theatrical magic, stunning scenography as well as vibrant costumes, taking our audience on a journey into a fairy-tale world. The ballet’s music will include a selection of works from the treasure trove of Pyotr Ilyitch Tchaikovsky, complemented by compositions from other composers.

The season’s final premiere, an operatic double bill featuring Pietro Mascagni’s CAVALLERIA RUSTICANA and Carl Orff’s scenic cantata CARMINA BURANA, will be presented on our stage in May next year, directed by Manfred Schweigkofler. Mascagni’s Cavalleria rusticana is steeped in themes of love, jealousy, violence, and honour, showcasing a series of musical motifs that reflect its passionate and dramatic narrative. This one-act opera draws inspiration from the literary material of the same name or Giovanni Verge’s dramatic text, based on real events. The evening will culminate in a performance of one of the most celebrated musical and theatrical works: Orff’s Carmina Burana. Premiering in Frankfurt in 1937, this scenic cantata catapulted the composer to immediate fame, establishing his distinctively personal style. 

In addition to the premiere performances, we will also present the following repeat performances in the next season: operas Manon Lescaut, The Maid of Orleans, The Italian Girl in Algiers, and the operetta The Bat.  Among the ballet performances to return to our stage are Peter and the Wolf, The Little Prince, Doctor Zhivago, Nutcracker – A Christmas Carol, and Don Quixote.

We are delighted to continue our collaboration with the National Gallery, showcasing thematic vocal recitals, featuring our soloists accompanied by piano. Last year, we presented in partnership with the Slovenian Theatre Institute, a series of lectures and discussions titled Perspectives on Theatrical History. We eagerly anticipate continuing this engaging round of conversations in the 2025/2026 season as well.   

Two weeks before the premiere of Tristan and Isolde (premiere date: 5 February 2026, scheduled event date: 22 January 2026) and Traviata (premiere date: 19 March 2026, scheduled event date: 5 March 2026), we will organise two short lectures focused on the themes on these upcoming performances. We will also explore past productions of these works at the Ljubljana Opera House and place them within the broader context of the Slovenian cultural life. The event will be enriched with photographs, video recordings and opportunities for discussions with the creators of previous productions, as well as with those involved in the upcoming premieres.   

A short lecture and discussion with the director Robert Wilson as part of the preparations for the premiere of the production of Tristan and Isolde will be organised and led by Marin Blažević in collaboration with the Archives of the SNG Opera in balet Ljubljana and the Archives of the Slovenian Theatre Institute. Additionally, a lecture on the performance of La traviata will be presented by Dr. Gašper Troha, Director of the Slovenian Theatre Institute. A discussion featuring former and current creators of the productions of La traviata will be facilitated by Sonja Kerin Krek, Archivist of the SNG Opera in balet Ljubljana, in collaboration with the Archives of the Slovenian Theatre Institute.

We also continue with our successful collaboration with the Academy of Music (concert performances with students), the Conservatory of Music and Ballet Ljubljana and the Association of Ballet Artists of Slovenia.

We are also expanding our recognition beyond the borders of our homeland. On 12 September 2025, we will perform the production of the opera Manon Lescaut at the HNK Zagreb as part of the Opera Festival. Next May we will present Madame Butterfly on Crete, and in November and December this year, we will showcase our ballet evening Bolero at the City Theatre in Klagenfurt.  

In designing our subscription offer, we chose to stick with the proven approach, reflecting the wishes of our existing subscribers. We have maintained our regular subscriptions while introducing three new options: Saturdays at Five, Mondays, and Winter. We have kept our prices unchanged, opting instead to provide a wide range and flexibility, particularly for our young audiences.

For more information on our programme please visit our website at opera.si.

We invite you to stay or become a part of our audience - join us and subscribe for the 25/26 season.