Wagner and modern dance art: Festspielhaus inspires in 2025/26!

Wagner and modern dance art: Festspielhaus inspires in 2025/26!

Dresden is in excitement! The Festspielhaus Dresden-Hellerau has come up with an extraordinary program for the 2025/26 season, even though the budget cuts are being felt. The centerpiece of this season will be the performance of “Wagner x Appia x Freyer”, which will take place in April 2026 on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the Bayreuth Festival Hall. The director Carena Schlewitt, who will now stay until 2028, brings a breath of fresh air into the culture of the house. She has a good knack for innovative projects and will continue to ensure that the audience is thrilled in the coming season.

The opening will be particularly exciting with the piece “The Cologne Concert”, which was staged by choreographer Trajal Harrell and combines music by Keith Jarrett with the melodies of Joni Mitchell. This creates an exciting bridge between different styles of music and artistic expressions.

New and contemporary in the festival hall

The new Small Hall in the east wing will also open in September 2025, a further step to advance art development in Dresden. Another highlight is expected for art lovers in 2026: the Saxon State Orchestra and the Czech Berg Orchestra will perform interesting sounds in the area of ​​new music. Philip Glass’s famous opera “Einstein on the Beach” will also be performed in May 2026 with the charismatic Suzanne Vega and the ICTUS Ensemble. These events promise an exciting mix of tradition and modernity.

And there is the Dance Platform Germany, which will take place from March 11th to 15th, 2026 in Hellerau and other Dresden institutions. Presented here are the best contemporary dance productions from the last two years, carefully selected by an independent jury comprising some of the most respected professionals in the dance scene. What is particularly important is that the productions must have premiered or premiered in Germany between September 2023 and August 2025. Artists have until June 30, 2025 to submit their work.

Strengthen intercultural connections

Another building block for cultural networking is the support of cultural workers, also through Goethe-Institut programs. This particularly supports young artists in Germany and organizes guest performances abroad in order to establish intercultural contacts. Guest performances by international theater and dance ensembles from transition countries are also intended to contribute to stimulating cultural exchange. The initiatives are proof that culture in Dresden is alive and constantly evolving.

The coming months and years promise exciting things for all art and culture lovers in Dresden! Whether at the festival, the dance platform or through the other creative offerings – there is a lot on offer here. Stay tuned and don't miss the diversity that our city has to offer!

Further information can be found here, for example: Sächsische.de, Hellerau.org and Goethe.de.