Der Rosenkavalier

Five years have passed since Der Rosenkavalier was first staged at the Volksoper—and Josef Ernst Köpplinger’s production was immediately met with enthusiastic acclaim from both audiences and the press. We delved into the archives and gathered a few voices from the premiere to build anticipation for the revival on January 25, 2026.

“This is a must-see!” (bachtrack)

“For the first time in its history, the Volksoper has dared to take on this masterpiece by Richard Strauss and Hugo von Hofmannsthal—and has scored a success both musically and theatrically. The theatrical success lies in the fact that director Josef Ernst Köpplinger does everything right. He does not historicize the work, but situates it in the year of its creation, 1911, while at the same time suggesting a complete sense of timelessness. The unanimous jubilation was well deserved.” (Kurier)

“All in all, a light-footed realization of a delicate work has been achieved.” (Der Standard)

“The Volksoper’s first Rosenkavalier touches the heart. A young man loves a young woman, but social conventions stand between them. Director Josef E. Köpplinger demonstrates that this can still generate strong emotions and entertainment today.” (Salzburger Nachrichten)

With several role debuts from members of the ensemble and under the musical direction of our Principal Guest Conductor Alexander Joel, Richard Strauss’s Der Rosenkavalier—one of the most beautiful, exhilarating, and moving musical comedies of all time—returns to our stage. We hope you’re looking forward to it just as much as we are.