Operettas, musicals, revues – before the Theater an der Wien became Vienna’s third opera house in 2006, its programme, consisting chiefly of light entertainment and showbiz, was hugely popular with audiences: classics such as Die Fledermaus and The Merry Widow, star vehicles such as Die Gräfin vom Naschmarkt or unprecedented musical hits such as Cats, The Phantom of the Opera, Elisabeth and Mozart!. But major opera productions, such as Schubert’s Fierrabras, were also among the dazzling spectacles: in this production, from 1988, the Arnold Schoenberg Choir, which had previously only ever sung in concerts, had the chance to perform on stage for the first time. Apart from the works themselves, it was the always exceptional performers and musicians who put their stamp on the shows and were, or still are, followed by legions of fans. In our Da capo im Theater an der Wien series we bring these personalities back to our theatre for one evening to reminisce and relive great moments – and maybe hear the odd bit of interesting news, as well.

Erwin Ortner

16 FEBRUARY 2027, 7 PM

Erwin Ortner leads the Arnold Schoenberg Choir, which he originally founded as a church choir, with dedication, discipline and humour. The resident choir at the Theater an der Wien since 2006 has long since gained international renown. And the annual performance of Messiah at the Musikverein during Advent has become little short of iconic. Now the great choirmaster provides insights into his artistic work.