Anniversary Gala – 400 Years of Theatre next to the Mirabell Gardens

THEATRE, MUSIC, DANCE AND SPORT NEXT TO THE MIRABELL GARDEN
An outstanding opera gala, a sensual night of ballet, a celebration of theatrical art, highlights from the youth programme, and a richly sensory showcase featuring the ensemble’s audience favourites – this is the Salzburg State Theatre’s anniversary gala.

What are we celebrating? For 400 years, there has been a theatre building next to the Mirabell Gardens and 250 years ago, Salzburg’s Court Theatre first opened its doors.

The opera division will perform some of the most beautiful arias and ensemble pieces from the repertoire, accompanied by the Mozarteum Orchestra under the baton of Music Director Leslie Suganandarajah.

The drama company will present excerpts from „Das Ballhaus“, a play written for the State Theatre by the acclaimed author John von Düffel, which playfully explores the Ballhaus’s history.

The Musical Theatre and Young Theatre will present original, contemporary, high-energy pieces. The opera chorus will shine in some of the most beautiful choral works, while the Salzburg Festival Choir will deliver an exhilarating international programme.

The ballet company will offer highlights from its repertoire along with a preview of the upcoming season. For the official ceremony, the Governor and the Mayor of Salzburg are expected to attend.

2025 marks a double anniversary for the Salzburg State Theatre. In 1625, on the site of today’s State Theatre, the so-called Ballhaus was built – the first theatre building in the city of Salzburg. Here, dances were held and ball games were played for exercise – it could be described as an early specimen of a multipurpose hall.

We’re also celebrating 250 years of the Court Theatre in Salzburg. In 1775, the predecessor of the current building was opened as a splendid box theatre. Its history, too, will be playfully brought to life during the gala.

All genres and every artistic and technical department of the Salzburg State Theatre will contribute to a grand celebration of theatre: 400 Years of Theatre next to the Mirabell Gardens.