Dutch National Opera

The special position was continued from 2011 to 2020 by Marc Albrecht. Under his leadership, the orchestra made a deep impression with the operas Oedipe by Enescu, Tristan und Isolde by Wagner, Gianni Schicchi by Puccini and Eine florentinische Tragödie by Von Zemlinsky.

Since season 2021-2022, Lorenzo Viotti has been the chief conductor of The Dutch National Opera and the Netherlands Philharmonic. In September 2021, he opened his first season with Zemlinsky's Der Zwerg. 'A strongly playing Netherlands Philharmonic, led by their new chief Lorenzo Viotti, was seduced by sharp shifting, sensual eruptions and raw orchestral violence,' NRC Handelsblad wrote about this opening production.

Versatile programming

The Dutch National Opera is known for its versatile programming of both classical and modern operas and for the consistently high standard of its performances. With innovative productions, works composed especially for The Dutch National Opera and a fresh look at familiar repertoire, the art form is kept alive and given a place in the future. Sophie de Lint has been director of the company since September 2018.

Co-productions regularly come about with renowned companies such as the Metropolitan Opera in New York, the Opéra national de Paris or the Teatro alla Scala in Milan. The Dutch National Opera has its own choir, the Choir of The Dutch National Opera, consisting of 46 members.

The best opera company in the world

In 2016, The Dutch National Opera was voted the best opera company in the world. The authoritative magazine Opernwelt selected The Dutch National Opera Choir as Best Opera Choir 2016.

The Dutch National Opera also has an Opera Studio, a two-year program in which six young, talented singers and one repetitor are prepared for an international opera career. The Dutch National Opera thus builds a bridge between conservatories and the professional field.