What you always...

At the Opera House, there are inexplicable things happening. At least that's what you think. In this film series we focus exactly on the questions you ask yourself when you sit in the audience and let the magic of opera, ballet and concert have an effect on you. Because some things can suddenly be explained, others not... Check out our movies!

Everything at Once

Even the best short film series comes to an end one day. Over the last 19 episodes and 6 seasons, we have told you everything you always wanted to know about the Opernhaus but were afraid to ask. Episode 20 looks back and brings the series to a worthy close.

Quite Simply: Voice Type

What is the deal with all these lyric tenors and dramatic sopranos? The latest film in the series «What you always wanted to know about the Opernhaus but were afraid to ask» sheds some light on the subject.

And tomorrow we'll be stars!

In the 18th short film from the series «What you always wanted to know about the Opernhaus but were afraid to ask», get to know young talents from the Opera Studio, the Junior Ballet and the Orchestra Academy.

Do it Yourself

We love extravagant costumes on stage, but where do they actually come from? Do we buy them? Or are they all original? The skilful hands of three women clear things up. Episode 17 of our short film series: Do it Yourself!

An invisible species

What happens in the invisible, who makes sure that the cogwheel gear «opera» runs every evening? In our film series «What you always wanted to know about the Opernhaus but were afraid to ask», the camera team sneaks behind the stage façade. They have found a very special species. Be prepared for an expedition like no other.

Clear the stage?!

We at Zurich Opera House have eyes and ears for all your requests. So in keeping with our motto «opera for all», we would like to accommodate you, dear visitors. However, there are requests that certainly sound very nice, but - let's be honest - are not feasible. And what these are, you will see this time in: «What you always wanted to know about the Opernhaus but were afraid to ask», Episode 15 - Clear the stage?!

The meatloaf

There is basically only one thing you should know. One thing that makes the «Fleischkäs» (meatloaf) a real speciality, almost legendary. And that is: it stands next to the Zurich Opera House! Episode 14: What you always wanted to know about the Fleischkäs but were afraid to ask.

How does opera work again?

Yes, the opera - it still exists! Not been there for a long time and forgotten how it works? Unfortunately, this is the case for many... Luckily, this film summarizes everything you always wanted to know about the Opernhaus, but were afraid to ask. Episode 13: How does opera work again?

The sound makes the music

In our latest episode of the short film series «What you always wanted to know about the Opernhaus but were afraid to ask», we dare to ask how, in times of Corona, opera can be performed with a full choir and orchestra while maintaining the necessary hygienic distance at all times, and what sense a highly complex audio and video installation in an opera house makes.

A pit full of musicians

Everyone knows them, everyone laughs at them: The musicians jokes. But is there a glimmer of truth in these «harmless» jokes? Which stereotypes and clichés are really hidden in the orchestra pit? Or is the orchestra pit just «full of fools»? In episode 11 we take a closer look at the orchestra musician.

The Diva Manual

So let's say you like to sing. You've got a great voice, one that belongs on stage. But not just any stage: the opera stage! One thing is clear: the title of «Diva» has to be earned. In Episode 10 of «What you always wanted to know about the Opernhaus but were afraid to ask» we present you «The Diva Manual».

Opera Chorus

Three cheers for the collective! Skin to skin. Always in a group. In the choir room, in the dressing room – and of course on stage. In episode 9 of «What you always wanted to know about the Opernhaus but were afraid to ask» we accompany members of the Zurich Opera Chorus.

The Share

«Fire, fire! The theater is on fire!» – «And I thought it was just a part of the second act?!»
No one’s injured. Everyone’s relieved – primarily because the theater is on fire. The theater, here, in Zurich, in 1890.
Relieved? Don’t the citizens want a theater anymore? Or do they want a theater – just not this one, and… they set it on fire on purpose?? No, they didn’t. But they did have a much better spark of an idea. In Episode 8 we analyse the myth behind the founding of Opernhaus Zürich AG.

The Women of the Repertoire Costume Shop

They’re everywhere – and nowhere. They’re like foxes with velvet gloves: fast, clever, intuitive, possessing the finest of sensibilities, with a razor-sharp eye for detail. If you want to know who has the best x-ray vision to see through every single costume piece, why alcohol is the solution for nearly every problem, and why these women have the best cloth, then you should watch episode 7 of «What you always wanted to know about the Opernhaus but were afraid to ask».

The Life of a Pointe Shoe

«Lots of people find me…beautiful. What can I say they’re right! Would they still think that if they knew that I get ripped up, poked, squeezed, yes, even beaten up?»
True beauty has its price
– and so does the life of a pointe shoe. In episode 6 of «What you always wanted to know about the Opernhaus but were afraid to ask» change perspective and follow the pointe shoe from cradle to grave.

Chairs, Stools, and other Seats

Our red velvet seats in the auditorium, exactly 1066 in total, are probably well-known to you, but there are multitude of other «seats» in the Opernhaus that are in constant use during the day. Our fifth episode is dedicated to these chairs and the people who take a seat on them.

Voice

Is Sweeney Todd a musical? An operetta? Or is it an opera? In our fourth episode of «What you always wanted to know about the Opernhaus, but were afraid to ask» bass baritone Bryn Terfel, mezzo soprano Angelika Kirchschlager and conductor David Charles Abell explain.

Stage Fright

Our third episode examines the famous stage fright. Conductor Speranza Scappucci, tenor Benjamin Bernheim and baritone Huw Montague Rendall talk about a very special moment in the life of an artist: the performance on stage.

Scenery

Have you ever wondered why we drive «advertising billboards» all over Zurich? This film reveals why the red scenery trucks are so important for Zurich Opera House to remain at the head of the Champions League of the major opera houses!

Theater Magic

The Zurich Opera House is a «treasure chest bursting with surprises» that will amaze you – in the first episode of our film series we explore the magical phenomena on and behind the stage.

... but were afraid to ask

With a huge drumroll we launch our new short film series «What you always wanted to know about the Opernhaus, but were afraid to ask». In the course of this and the following seasons, we present exciting, touching and surprising stories from our Opera House cosmos.

Supported by