Neuköllner Oper
The
Neuköllner Oper: An Innovative Music Theater in Berlin
editKey Products and Services
editThe Neuköllner Oper, founded in 1972 by composer and church musician Winfried Radeke, has established itself as the fourth opera house in Berlin and is characterized by a diverse and innovative production of music theater pieces. Annually, the house presents between 10-14 productions in various formats, including 6-10 world premieres as well as revivals of successful productions. The artistic direction encompasses a wide compositional variety, from musical premieres and adaptations of classical works to crossover productions and new compositions[1][2].
Main Mission and Values
editThe Neuköllner Oper strives to represent music theater as realistically as possible and responds innovatively to current and societal processes. The theater has a strong affinity for what surrounds it in Neukölln, Berlin, Germany, and the world. It advocates for the opening of the opera repertoire, radically questions traditional forms, and collaborates with leading ensembles. The mission of the house lies in promoting new talents and presenting pieces for a broad audience, beyond fashionable niches and self-referential discourses[2].
Sustainability Goals and Initiatives
editThe Neuköllner Oper is committed to fostering young talent and has been cooperating since 1997 with the Musical/Show program at UdK Berlin and HfM Hanns Eisler. The Berlin Opera Prize, donated by GASAG, and the Authors' Academy Zaimoglu are further examples of its efforts to support young artists. The house also runs extensive projects in cultural education and collaborates internationally with institutions and groups working on alternative forms of music theater. These initiatives make the Neuköllner Oper one of the leading anchor institutions in the Berlin cultural landscape[1][2].
Organizational Structure and Funding
editThe Neuköllner Oper is led by a three-member directorate consisting of Bernhard Glocksin, Laura Hörold, and Andreas Altenhof. The theater is a private theater that is funded through the conceptual funding of the Berlin Senate as well as project-based support from GASAG, the Capital Cultural Fund, and the Federal Cultural Foundation. Since 1988, the Neuköllner Oper has been located in the former festival hall of the passage on Karl-Marx-Straße, with a large hall for up to 220 spectators and a studio stage for up to 60 spectators[1][2].
The Neuköllner Oper is a vibrant example of innovative and committed music theater that continuously adapts to the needs and challenges of society and promotes new talents. With its unique blend of tradition and innovation, the house has secured a firm position in the German and international theater landscape.