Verdi’s Otello returns to the Vienna State Opera in autumn 2026, with Jonas Kaufmann in the title role. Based on Shakespeare’s tragedy, this powerful opera of love, jealousy and destruction is one of Verdi’s late masterpieces — ideal for visitors seeking an intense and serious opera evening in Vienna.
Performance details
- Venue: Vienna State Opera
- Language: Italian
- Subtitles: English, German and Italian
- Duration: approx. 3 hours, including one intermission
Ticket information
- Secure official tickets for the Vienna State Opera
- E-tickets sent by email after purchase
- Seats are together unless otherwise stated
Verdi’s Shakespearean tragedy at the Vienna State Opera
Otello brings together Shakespeare’s dramatic force and Verdi’s mature musical language. From the stormy opening to the intimate final scenes, the opera moves with exceptional intensity through love, manipulation, jealousy and collapse.
At the Vienna State Opera, Otello offers a gripping Verdi evening in one of Europe’s most prestigious opera houses.
- Conductor: Bertrand de Billy
- Production: Adrian Noble
- Stage and costumes: Dick Bird
- Stage effects: Basil Twist
- Lighting: Jean Kalman
- Otello: Jonas Kaufmann
- Jago: Luca Salsi
- Desdemona: Nicole Car
- Cassio: Botond Ódor
- Roderigo: Carlos Osuna
- Lodovico: Dan Paul Dumitrescu
- Montano: Leonardo Neiva
- Emilia: Daria Sushkova
Cast may vary by performance date.
Verdi’s Otello is one of the most powerful operas of the late Italian repertoire. Based on Shakespeare’s tragedy, it shows Verdi at the height of his dramatic and musical maturity, with a score that moves almost without interruption from public grandeur to private psychological collapse.
The opera centres on Otello, the victorious general, his wife Desdemona and the manipulative Jago. Instead of traditional set-piece numbers, Verdi creates a continuous dramatic flow, making Otello one of his most concentrated and intense stage works.
At the Vienna State Opera, Otello is a major Verdi evening — especially with Jonas Kaufmann in the title role — and a strong choice for visitors who want a serious, dramatic and unforgettable opera experience.
Otello, a celebrated general, returns victorious from battle and is reunited with his wife Desdemona. But Jago, who hates Otello, begins to poison his mind with suspicion and jealousy.
Through lies, insinuations and a stolen handkerchief, Jago convinces Otello that Desdemona has betrayed him with Cassio. Otello’s trust collapses, and his love turns into destructive obsession.
Desdemona remains innocent and faithful, but Otello is no longer able to see the truth. The opera moves towards a tragic final scene in which jealousy, manipulation and remorse destroy everything.
The performance takes place at the Vienna State Opera, one of the world’s leading opera houses, located directly on Vienna’s Ringstrasse.
Address: Opernring 2, 1010 Vienna
Public transport:
U1, U2 and U4 to Karlsplatz
Trams 1, 2, D, 62 and 71 to Opernring
We recommend arriving at least 30 minutes before the performance.
Where does Otello take place in Vienna?
Otello is performed at the Vienna State Opera, Opernring 2, 1010 Vienna.
Who sings Otello at the Vienna State Opera in autumn 2026?
Jonas Kaufmann is scheduled to sing the title role of Otello. Cast may vary by performance date.
What language is Otello sung in?
Otello is sung in Italian. Subtitles are available in English, German and Italian.
How long is Otello at the Vienna State Opera?
The performance lasts approximately 3 hours, including one intermission.
Is Otello a good choice for a first visit to the Vienna State Opera?
Yes, if you want a serious and powerful Verdi evening. Otello is more intense than lighter operas, but it is one of Verdi’s great masterpieces.
How will I receive my tickets?
After purchase, your e-tickets will be sent by email.
More opera in Vienna
Looking for other performances at the Vienna State Opera? Browse our Vienna State Opera tickets or see more opera performances in Vienna.
