Bühnen Bern and Theater Basel make the shortlist for the International Opera Awards

Two Swiss houses are on the shortlist for the International Opera Awards 2026: Bühnen Bern with Salvatore Sciarrino's opera “L'Agamennone” in the “World Premiere” category and Theater Basel with “El barberillo de Lavapiés” in the “Musical Theatre” category.¹²

“L'Agamennone” (libretto: Sciarrino/Turroni) had its world premiere at Bühnen Bern on 30 May 2026, directed by David Hermann and conducted by Clément Lonca.¹ Raimund Orfeo Voigt is also nominated, in the “Designer” category; at Bühnen Bern he is currently responsible for direction and set design of the new production of “La Traviata” and the revival of “Tosca”.¹

The winners will be announced on Saturday 21 November 2026 at the MusikTheater an der Wien. The ceremony will be streamed free of charge on OperaVision.² According to the Schweizer Musikzeitung, the award is regarded as one of the most important international honours in the opera world.¹