OPERA IN THE RUHR METROPOLIS
Lovers of opera may have experienced performances in various languages including German or Italian and be aware that enjoyment is to be had regardless of their mother tongue.
Magnificent operas can be experienced in several locations across the Ruhr Metropolis.
A rather special place to experience opera is in the Aalto Music Theater in Essen. Some cultural institutions offer so-called music theatre alongside other genres of stage performances.
MIR in Gelsenkirchen reveals an impressive glass palace from the late 1950s. Hagen a more traditional, century old architectural style.
MUSIKTHEATER IM REVIER
The Musiktheater im Revier, MiR, is based in Gelsenkirchen and considered one of the outstanding operas. Works include classical repertoire, operetta and experimental formats.
MIR has also built a repertoire with strong international artistic personalities and a special focus on contemporary dance. The dance company has its finger on the pulse of the times, possessing also a new expressive body language.
AALTO MUSIKTHEATER ESSEN
A rather special place to experience opera is in the Aalto Music Theater in Essen. The architectural style of the interior conjures up a timeless Nordic aura from Finnish architect Alvar Aalto, complementing the unfolding of scenes on the stage.
An international lineup of ensemble and guests as well as the choir and orchestra perform in a magnificent building that was designed in the late 1950s yet only opened in 1988.
PHILHARMONISCHES ORCHESTER HAGEN
The Philharmonische Orchester was founded in Hagen in 1907 as the first municipal orchestra in the picturesque eastern area of the Ruhr Metropolis know as Westphalia. The venue built in 1911 has been recognised as one of the leading stages in the German-speaking world.
The orchestra presents a versatile collection of concerts throughout the season, playing in the Theater Hagen. The theatre also presents a variety of operas from several origins.
DORTMUNDER PHILHARMONIKER
The Dortmunder Philharmoniker are firmly rooted in their city, where the municipal orchestra plays for one and all in the east of the Ruhr Metropolis. Ever since their foundation in 1887, they have played consistently in the league of great German concert and opera orchestras.
Besides an international opera ensemble, Philharmonic Concerts, Viennese Classical Concerts and Chamber Concerts are flanked by educational music programmes for the young.
The public transport system in Ruhr is extensive, safe and normally efficient. A dense network of trams, Strassenbahn, above and below ground as well as buses serve the cities and suburbs. Links via the local and S-Bahn train systems interconnect many neighbouring communities.
