We are experiencing one of the most innovative and exciting seasons in the history of Zurich Opera House. With the currently prescribed COVID-19 distance rules, opera operations with large collectives such as orchestra and choir in the orchestra pit and on stage are not feasible without painful changes to the work itself or drastic reduction of instrumentation. Out of the firm will to nevertheless present music theater in its full range, a completely new game model was developed for the opera house. 

The large collectives such as orchestra and choir are played live from an external rehearsal room into the performances to the ensemble and the audience. To ensure that the orchestra can be heard in the hall, the sound of each instrument in the rehearsal room is picked up by at least one microphone and transmitted to the auditorium of the Opera House. There, one of the most modern surround sound systems in the world is installed, which can reproduce any sound at any location via countless loudspeakers. The surround sound system was already installed a few years ago, but for the live broadcast, new lines had to be laid, highly complex audio and video interfaces installed and configured, and of course mixing consoles, monitors, microphones, cameras and loudspeakers provided. 

It's no small thing if the choir cannot stand on stage, if the soloists* have to keep their distance and the orchestra is not allowed to sit in the pit. But for all of us it means: opera and ballet can take place!

The additional costs for this sound transmission from next door amount to CHF 250,000. Support your opera house in the implementation of this worldwide unique game model. With your donation you are investing in your cultural and musical enjoyment! Thank you very much for supporting us during this extraordinary season. We would also like to thank the Friends of the Opera for their generous start-up financing.

To donate online, just click here.

Donations account
88-338782-3
IBAN: CH73 0900 0000 8833 8782 3
BIC: POFICHBEXXX
Opernhaus Zürich AG
Falkenstrasse 1
8008 Zürich

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