Christian Thielemann and Elisabeth Sobotka's new contracts

Christian Thielemann and Elisabeth Sobotka arrived together at the Staatsoper Unter den Linden on September 1, 2024. The Berlin Opera Foundation's board extended their contracts until July 31, 2034, a decision made on October 8 and officially confirmed on October 14 with the signing of the contracts by the parties involved, including Berlin's senator for Culture, Stefan Evers, and the federal state minister for Culture, Wolfram Weimer.

Thielemann's extended tenure

At 67 years old, Thielemann, who succeeded Daniel Barenboim as head of the Staatskapelle Berlin, will now conduct the opera house until he reaches 75 years of age. This extension represents a significant sign of trust for the duo, who had only just begun their third season, with their original contract running until 2029.

Future plans and artistic goals

The two parties expressed their satisfaction. Thielemann stated his intention to cultivate the grand repertoire "while exploring new horizons." The grand repertoire includes the Vier letzte Lieder with Diana Damrau and Eine Alpensinfonie on October 20 and 21, followed by revivals of Tannhäuser and Tristan und Isolde during the 2027 Festtage. For the new horizons, the rare Königskinder by Humperdinck, directed by David Bösch, with Diana Damrau, Evelyn Herlitzius, and Christian Gerhaher, is scheduled for May 1, 2027.

A long-term commitment

An eight-year contract for a duo in place for two years: in Berlin, trust did not wait for the number of years.