A comic opera that premiered in 1911 in Dresden, quickly gaining immense popularity. The story is set in Vienna around the mid-18th century, in a world of aristocracy filled with social conventions, intrigue, and subtle humor.
The plot centers on the Marschallin, a mature aristocrat, and her young lover Octavian. When Baron Ochs plans to marry the young Sophie Faninal, he appoints Octavian as the ceremonial “Knight of the Silver Rose,” whose task is to present the bride-to-be with the symbolic engagement rose. During the ceremony, Octavian and Sophie fall in love, setting off a chain of comic misunderstandings, disguises, and intrigues. Aware of the passing of time and the difference in age, the Marschallin gracefully renounces her love, allowing the young couple their happiness.
The opera captivates audiences with its rich orchestration and lyrical melodies by Richard Strauss, blending lyricism with humor. Particularly notable are the elaborate ensembles—especially the famous final trio—as well as waltz stylizations that give the work its nostalgic Viennese color. Der Rosenkavalier is a reflection on love, time, and maturity, presented in a light and elegant form that continues to make it one of Strauss’s most frequently performed operas.
The production is directed by Wojciech Faruga, an acclaimed theatre director and currently the director of the Teatr Dramatyczny w Warszawie. In addition to his extensive work in dramatic theatre, he has created two opera productions—both for the Teatr Wielki – Opera Narodowa: Maria de Buenos Aires by Astor Piazzolla (2023) and Così fan tutte by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (2024).
Faruga has chosen to relocate the opera’s action—originally set in Vienna in the mid-18th century—to the era of Hollywood’s golden age and the great successes of silent cinema, also drawing on the conventions of slapstick comedy. The visual concept of the production is created by Katarzyna Borkowska, while the musical direction is led by the music director of the Opera Bałtycka, Yaroslav Shemet.
