Classical Art
Berlin has a long and rich history of many different forms of theatre and classical music. Within only the last hundred years Berlin has counted some of the most creative and influential people among its residents. There is a seemingly endless assortment of theatre, including: standard, musical, cabaret, comic and dance. On any night one can watch a large well-established company, a spontaneous street performance or anything in between.
Even if classical arts are not your thing, aside from Vienna, Berlin is one of the best places to give it a try - excellent performances at cheap prices. Go on give it a try. You never know until you give it a go. Here is a list to get you started:
Theaters in Berlin
Deutsches Theater
Website: www.deutschestheater.de.
The oldest and one of the most popular stages in the city. There are two performance spaces including the main theatre and a smaller more experimental room.
Maxim Gorki Theater
Website: www.gorki.de.
Works of classic theatre interpreted by young directors. Set in a beautiful theatre in the centre of town.
Volksbühne am Rosa-Luxemburg-Platz
Website: www.volksbuehne-berlin.de.
Avant garde and socially engaging theatre for the people. The theatre is a multi-use venue that showcases a variety of entertainment from theatre to music.
Berliner Ensemble
Website: www.berliner-ensemble.de.
The fabulous theatre dates back to 1892. Over the years a number of great directors, producers have used his space including: Max Reinhardt, Bertholt Brecht, Helene Weigel, Heiner Müller and Claus Peymann, just to name a few. It was here in 1929 that Brecht's Three Penny Opera, with music from Kurt Weill premiered.
Kabarett Distel at Bahnhof Friedrichstraße
Website: www.distel-berlin.de.
In this former dissidents’ home in the GDR you can see political satire for the mind and soul with a sharp wit and biting commentary,.
Chamaeleon Varité
Website: www.chamaeleonberlin.de.
The theatre was originally a ballroom and concert hall. Later it was used as a cinema. It is a gem of a performing centre. The shows consist of multiple layers of entertainment that are always a feast for the eyes and ears.
Opera in Berlin
Deutsche Oper
Website: www.deutsche-oper-berlin.de
The deutsche Oper is one of the big three operas in Berlin. Presenting a range of classic as well as contemporary productions. Top class international performers and productions in Berlin’s West End.
Staatsoper Berlin
Website: www.staatsoper-berlin.org
The building is a classic 18th century beauty. Attracting a number of very good singers from around the world, the Staatsoper also presents ballet and symphony concerts.
Komische Oper
Website: www.komische-oper-berlin.de
Performances include: operas, operettas, along with their own dance company. The works presented come from a variety of sources and are at times not the same old stuff.Neuköllner OperWebsite: www.neukoellneroper.deAlthough not one of the big three, it has been around for almost 30 years and has built a good reputation for itself. Putting on 8-10 productions per season, it is a most active company that produces a variety of entertainment and not just opera. Just be aware as it is a small theatre and tickets are sold out easily.
Classical Music in Berlin
Berliner Philharmonic
Website: www.berlin-philharmonic.com
The famous Berlin Philharmonic is one of the most highly respected orchestras in the world, with the brilliant Simon Rattle conducting. The building that houses the group is also a wonder of 1960's architecture with amazing acoustics.
Konzerthaus
Website: www.konzerthaus.de
The hall by famed Berlin architect Karl Friederich Schinkel stands in the centre of Berlin on the wonderful Gendarmenmarkt. Originally the building contained one hall, but after the second World War ravaged it, renovation in the 1980's created two halls. The larger of the two is used for symphony concerts while the smaller is used for chamber concerts. Currently, it is the home to the Berliner Sinfonie-Orchestra.
Other Stages in Berlin
Sophien Saele
Website: www.sophiensaele.com
Right in the middle of the city, this smaller company presents dance groups along with other international productions; sometimes strange, but always interesting.
Dock 11
Website: www.dock11-berlin.de
Dock 11 is composed of three performing spaces. These are used to showcase an international review of music, dance, and theatre. This is a diverse and fantastically interesting place to see all sorts of wonders.
English Theatre Berlin
Website: www.thefriends.de
Formally known as the “Friends of the Italian Opera”, the English Theatre Berlin is, unsurprisingly, Berlin’s English language theatre company. At present they are operating out of F40 which is the joint theatre venue of the English Theatre Berlin and Theater Thikwa.
Listings
For a good overview of what is on in the classical arts, check out listing magazine Zitty (www.zitty.de), also available online. If you would rather your information in English, the monthly magazine Ex Berliner (www.exberliner.com) has listings of many events in the city, with an excellent Stage and Theatre section.
If you don’t want to pay for magazines, many cafes in Berlin have copies of Zitty, Tip, and sometimes even the Ex Berliner, available for their visitors to read, or ask us at the Circus reception.