United Nations | Theater Bonn | Beethoven Orchester Bonn | City of Bonn

Moving Together

A STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP

Only a few years after their founding, the United Nations chose Bonn as their location, thus strengthening the city’s international character. We are delighted that now – shortly after the 25th anniversary of the UN in Bonn – we will be pursuing new avenues together.
 

Introducing MOVING TOGETHER

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The strategic cooperation between UN Bonn, the City of Bonn, the Theater Bonn, and Beethoven Orchester Bonn has two essential goals. Together, we would like to offer an appealing cultural programme in English for our city’s international guests, to people from across the world who live in Bonn or who are visiting the city. This programme will enable them to understand and enjoy exciting opera productions and fascinating concerts as well as guided tours or services for families. Contributing to a more sustainable world is a common interest between our organizations. The creative potential of our companies and our close cooperation with both the UN in Bonn and the city’s institutions will lead us to new formats, new avenues towards a sustainable world. We want to be a place for discussions about the future – open, creative and with each other.

We are very much looking forward to this new and innovative partnership, and intend to fill it with life – for the residents of Bonn and our international guests as well as for a sustainable world.

We wish you an exciting time at Theater Bonn and with the Beethoven Orchester Bonn.

Hinterhofoper for the UN in October 2023

Moving Together

Backstage Tours, Rehearsal Visits, Introductions, and much more

Are you interested in discovering the behind-the-scenes spaces of the Opera House,
attending a rehearsal, or engaging with the masterminds responsible for the productions?
Would you like to delve deeper into the details of the upcoming shows? As a component of the MOVING TOGETHER strategic collaboration, Theater Bonn extends an invitation to you to embark on a journey into the realm of opera through a range of English-language events suitable for all ages.

  • English Surtitles

    All performances of the Opera have English surtitles – this includes our Family Operas for children from the age of eight.

  • Introductions by our Opera Guides

    No matter what questions the audience may have, our volunteer Opera Guides will try to answer them all. In order to do so, they immerse themselves both in the work and the production three weeks before the premiere, so that on opening night, these students, retirees and employees from a wide range of professions will have become opera experts and give an introduction to the audience from one hour before the performance on. You are welcome to turn to them with your questions!

  • Guided Tours of the Opera House

    Why are there so many TV-sets hanging in the auditorium? How do we manage to make huge oil paintings disapear in a matter of seconds? And how do we create fake beards? On our guided tours through Theater Bonn, we’ll let you peek behind the curtains! Furthermore, there are dates specifically for families.

     

    Guided Tours

    Guided tours, which take place regularly in English and look at the opera house as such. Please contact as for individual group-tours via e-mail. We also offer group-tours in additional languages.

    Our regular tours in English are:

  • Rehearsal Visits

    Two weeks before each premiere, the stage rehearsals start at the Opera House. On selected dates, we will open our doors for you. Before your rehearsal visit, there will be a conversation with some of the people involved in the production.

  • Workshops for the whole Family

    Unlike at the cinema, it can help to enjoy a performance at the opera and the theatre if you are familiar with the characters and the plot. In a workshop, participants of all ages will take on the various characters for two hours and we will playfully work out the plot and the music.

    You can find all options for families on our website at PORTAL, the joint communication platform of orchestra and opera. Or write to us at movingtogether@bonn.de.

Special Events

  • HAIRSPRAY + »Welcome to the 60s« Party

    Performance Visit & »Welcome to the 60s« Party

    Enjoy a vibrant journey to 1960s Baltimore with the famous Broadway musical HAIRSPRAY!
    This uplifting show follows Tracy Turnblad as she fights for equality and dreams of dancing on television. Afterwards, join us for a 60s-themed costume party with the musical cast and a DJ set!

  • TOSCA + Expat-Talk with Yannick-Muriel Noah

    Performance Visit & Insightful Discussion with Canadian opera singer Yannick-Muriel Noah

    The gripping drama of TOSCA follows the tumultuous relationship between the fiery singer Floria Tosca and her beloved Mario Cavaradossi. Expect a story of passion and sacrifice, where love and betrayal collide.
    After the performance, engage in an insightful discussion with Canadian opera singer Yannick-Muriel Noah, who has been living in Bonn for the past eleven years.

  • ALCINA + Behind the Scenes Guided Tour

    Performance Visit & Guided Tour (starts at 3pm)

    Experience the enchanting world of ALCINA, where magic and love intertwine. This captivating opera delves into themes of desire and transformation as Alcina, a powerful sorceress, discovers the true nature of love.
    Before the performance, join a guided tour of the theater and get a glimpse behind the scenes. The tour starts at 3pm.

  • DIE MACHT DES SCHICKSALS + Afterwork

    Performance Visit & Afterwork Getting Together

    Immerse yourself in THE FORCE OF DESTINY, a passionate story of love and fate. Follow the journey of Leonora and Alvaro as fate pulls them apart and unexpectedly brings them back together.
    After the performance, socialize with friends over drinks in a relaxed atmosphere at the theater bar Fidelio.

  • DER LIEBESTRANK + Speed Dating

    Performance Visit & Speed Dating (starts at 6pm)

    Join us for a night of fun and romance with THE ELIXIR OF LOVE, a charming opera full of humor and heart. Watch as Nemorino’s hopes rest on a magical love potion to win Adina’s affection.
    Don’t worry if you come alone—you’ll meet new friends and potential romantic acquaintances during a few rounds of speed dating.

  • VESPERTINE + Women in Science

    Performance Visit & Panel feat. Women’s Contributions to Science

    Step into the magical world of VESPERTINE, an opera inspired by Björk’s music. This poetic performance invites you to explore, together with the two female protagonists, the power of science in the creation of new life.
    Afterward, celebrate women’s contributions to science with us in a panel.

  • DIE DREIGROSCHENOPER + Pub-Crawl

    Performance Vitis & Pub-Crawl in the Old Town with Bonn’s Nightlife Mayor

    Watch Bertolt Brecht’s famous THREEPENNY OPERA, a sharp satire on society’s greed and corruption. Follow Mack the Knife through a thrilling world of crime, power, and betrayal, set
    to music by Kurt Weill.
    After the performance, join a lively pub crawl through the Altstadt led by Bonn’s Nightlife Mayor.

  • DIE ZAUBERFLÖTE + Sundowner

    Performance Visit & Sundowner

    Discover the magical realm of THE MAGIC FLUTE, an opera that combines enchanting characters with profound themes as Prince Tamino seeks to rescue Pamina, guided by the wisdom of the sorcerer Sarastro and the power of music.
    Afterward, make new acquaintances at a relaxing sundowner and enjoy the best view of the Rhine from the opera house’s rooftop.

  • MUSIK FÜR DIE LEBENDEN

    Performances Visit & Academic Talks, Film Viewings and Audience Engagement Sessions

    In the academic research series FOCUS’33, which explores the rediscovery of forgotten operas, the opera MUSIC FOR THE LIVING by Georgian composer Giya Kancheli will be featured: A fable-opera highlights the power of music to heal hearts and save the world in times of war.
    The opera performances are accompanied by academic talks, film viewings and audience engagement sessions. More details will be available on our website in mid-May.

Press, Publications & Contact

 

FOKUS|'33
an Exploratory Journey towards the Causes of Disappearing and Remaining

Supported by the Ministry of Culture and Science of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia in  cooperation with the NRW KULTURsekretariat