Jena, June 26, 2026 – On Saturday, June 27, the Hofoper Jena celebrates the premiere of Gaetano Donizetti’s famous comic opera “Don Pasquale” in the atmospheric courtyard of the Universitätshauptgebäude. The open-air performances promise to be a cultural highlight in the heart of the city again this summer.
- What: Opera “Don Pasquale” by Gaetano Donizetti
- When: Premiere on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at 9:00 PM
- Further dates: June 28, June 29, July 1, July 2, and July 4, each at 9:00 PM
- Where: Innenhof des Universitätshauptgebäudes, Fürstengraben 1, 07743 Jena (View on Google Maps)
- Participants: Akademische Orchestervereinigung and Universitätschor under the direction of UMD Sebastian Krahnert; Director: Prof. Matthias Oldag
Unique Open-Air Atmosphere at the Universitätshauptgebäude
After the ensemble has focused primarily on French operas in recent years, this year’s program features a true gem of Italian comic opera. The courtyard of the Universitätshauptgebäude (UHG), with its historical walls, provides the perfect backdrop for the summer open-air spectacle. The performances, which begin at 9:00 PM as dusk sets in, utilize the unique architecture of the courtyard to create an intimate yet festive theatrical atmosphere. While other events in the city area – such as the originally planned Summer Concert of the Jena Jubilee Singers – had to be canceled, the traditional Hofoper is taking place as scheduled.
From the Core of Commedia dell’arte to Italian Comic Opera
Donizetti’s “Don Pasquale,” premiered in 1843, marks one of the late highlights of classical Italian comic opera (Opera buffa). The core of the work utilizes the traditional stock characters of the Italian Commedia dell’arte: the wealthy, elderly bachelor Don Pasquale wants to marry to disinherit his rebellious nephew Ernesto. However, the cunning of the young widow Norina, who loves Ernesto, leads to a series of turbulent complications and amusing intrigues. Musically, the work is characterized by sparkling melodies, virtuoso vocal parts, and fine psychological characterization that goes far beyond the pure slapstick humor of older opera genres.
Experienced Production Team and Local Ensembles
The Akademische Orchestervereinigung, together with the Universitätschor, is responsible for the musical realization. The musical direction is in the proven hands of University Music Director Sebastian Krahnert. For the scenic implementation, Prof. Matthias Oldag from Leipzig was once again secured, having already been responsible for the gripping productions of the Hofoper in past seasons.
🎭 Culture & City Life: The Tradition of the Hofoper Jena
The annual performances of the Hofoper in the courtyard of the Universitätshauptgebäude are a fixed part of Jena’s cultural summer. Supported by the Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, the performances bring together hundreds of music-loving citizens, students, and guests in the historical heart of the city. They impressively demonstrate how the academic music ensembles shape the cultural profile of the university city and keep classical music theater alive in public spaces.
🛒 Donizetti’s Masterpiece for Home
Prepare yourself optimally for the opera evening or enjoy the unforgettable melodies of “Don Pasquale” on CD and vinyl directly in your own living room.
Source:
Hofoper celebrates premiere with Donizetti’s “Don Pasquale”
Transparency Note: This article was created automatically, editorially reviewed, and expanded with AI support.