In the 18th short film from the series «What you always wanted to know about the Opernhaus but were afraid to ask», get to know young talents from the Opera Studio, the Junior Ballet and the Orchestra Academy.

We love extravagant costumes on stage, but where do they actually come from? Do we buy them? Or are they all original? The skilful hands of three women clear things up. Episode 17 of our short film series: Do it Yourself!

What happens in the invisible, who makes sure that the cogwheel gear «opera» runs every evening? In our film series «What you always wanted to know about the Opernhaus but were afraid to ask», the camera team sneaks behind the stage façade. They have found a very special species. Be prepared for an expedition like no other.

We at Zurich Opera House have eyes and ears for all your requests. So in keeping with our motto «opera for all», we would like to accommodate you, dear visitors. However, there are requests that certainly sound very nice, but - let's be honest - are not feasible. And what these are, you will see this time in: «What you always wanted to know about the Opernhaus but were afraid to ask», Episode 15 - Clear the stage?!

There is basically only one thing you should know. One thing that makes the «Fleischkäs» (meatloaf) a real speciality, almost legendary. And that is: it stands next to the Zurich Opera House! Episode 14: What you always wanted to know about the Fleischkäs but were afraid to ask.

Yes, the opera - it still exists! Not been there for a long time and forgotten how it works? Unfortunately, this is the case for many... Luckily, this film summarizes everything you always wanted to know about the Opernhaus, but were afraid to ask. Episode 13: How does opera work again?

In our latest episode of the short film series «What you always wanted to know about the Opernhaus but were afraid to ask», we dare to ask how, in times of Corona, opera can be performed with a full choir and orchestra while maintaining the necessary hygienic distance at all times, and what sense a highly complex audio and video installation in an opera house makes.

Everyone knows them, everyone laughs at them: The musicians jokes. But is there a glimmer of truth in these «harmless» jokes? Which stereotypes and clichés are really hidden in the orchestra pit? Or is the orchestra pit just «full of fools»? In episode 11 we take a closer look at the orchestra musician.

So let's say you like to sing. You've got a great voice, one that belongs on stage. But not just any stage: the opera stage! One thing is clear: the title of «Diva» has to be earned. In Episode 10 of «What you always wanted to know about the Opernhaus but were afraid to ask» we present you «The Diva Manual».

Three cheers for the collective! Skin to skin. Always in a group. In the choir room, in the dressing room – and of course on stage. In episode 9 of «What you always wanted to know about the Opernhaus but were afraid to ask» we accompany members of the Zurich Opera Chorus.

«Fire, fire! The theater is on fire!» – «And I thought it was just a part of the second act?!»
No one’s injured. Everyone’s relieved – primarily because the theater is on fire. The theater, here, in Zurich, in 1890. Relieved? Don’t the citizens want a theater anymore? Or do they want a theater – just not this one, and… they set it on fire on purpose?? No, they didn’t. But they did have a much better spark of an idea. In Episode 8 we analyse the myth behind the founding of Opernhaus Zürich AG.

«Lots of people find me…beautiful. What can I say – they’re right! Would they still think that if they knew that I get ripped up, poked, squeezed, yes, even beaten up?»
True beauty has its price – and so does the life of a pointe shoe. In episode 6 of «What you always wanted to know about the Opernhaus but were afraid to ask» change perspective and follow the pointe shoe from cradle to grave.

Our red velvet seats in the auditorium, exactly 1066 in total, are probably well-known to you, but there are multitude of other «seats» in the Opernhaus that are in constant use during the day. Our fifth episode is dedicated to these chairs and the people who take a seat on them.

Is Sweeney Todd a musical? An operetta? Or is it an opera? In our fourth episode of «What you always wanted to know about the Opernhaus, but were afraid to ask» bass baritone Bryn Terfel, mezzo soprano Angelika Kirchschlager and conductor David Charles Abell explain.

Our third episode examines the famous stage fright. Conductor Speranza Scappucci, tenor Benjamin Bernheim and baritone Huw Montague Rendall talk about a very special moment in the life of an artist: the performance on stage.

Have you ever wondered why we drive «advertising billboards» all over Zurich? This film reveals why the red scenery trucks are so important for Zurich Opera House to remain at the head of the Champions League of the major opera houses!