The Volksoper is traditionally the middle-class counterpart to the State Opera. While the State Opera presents the more classical, international side of the Viennese opera world, the Volksoper is known for sensational performances of operettas and musicals. Because alongside ballets and operas, the Volksoper works intensively on the revaluation of the operetta. And you have to have seen at least one operetta at the Volksoper!
At the end of the 19th century, the Volksoper was built as the “Kaiserjubiläum-Stadttheater” in just 10 months. After a bankruptcy that soon followed, Rainer Simons took over the house in 1903 and extended its name to “Volksoper”.
Since 1996, the Volksoper has produced its programme independently of the State Opera and has established itself worldwide as a renowned opera house. Every year, between September and June, around 300 performances of 25 productions take place here. On three levels, 1,261 spectators find a seat, while there are an additional 72 standing places.
