59 Gloomy thoughts gnaw away at Faust. Just as he is about to end his life out of despair, the diabolical Méphistophélès appears with the promise of adventure, success and happiness. French composer Hector Berlioz became fascinated with Goethe’s Faust at a young age. He later adapted the masterpiece to create his own ‘légende dramatique’, a grandiose work for the concert hall, with the dramatic, expressive power of an opera. Berlioz’s Faust is very much a modern character, longing to be at one with nature and yearning for great love, yet unable to find lasting satisfaction. A meeting of artistic worlds Berlioz’s richly variegated score – full of choral scenes, dances and grand orchestral moments – perfectly suits the artistic signature of director and choreographer Nanine Linning. During Opera Forward Festival 2024, her production of Samy Moussa’s Antigone demonstrated her ability to poetically blend music, language and movement. For this production, Linning collaborates with the dancers of Scapino Ballet Rotterdam, where she serves as Artistic Director, and with visual artist Levi van Veluw. This multidisciplinary artist attracted attention in 2024 with his major solo exhibition at the Singer Museum. Together, they invite the audience into Faust’s inner world: associative, obsessive, and constantly in motion. Stéphane Denève, who cherishes a deep love for the French repertoire, returns after Pelléas et Mélisande (2019) to lead the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra through Berlioz’s score. The Chorus of Dutch National Opera takes the stage in full formation, accompanied by dancers of Scapino Ballet Rotterdam and a cast of leading soloists. The demanding title role is sung by tenor and audience favourite John Osborn. Kyle Ketelsen and Angela Brower return to Amsterdam as Méphistophélès and Marguerite respectively. New production Dramatic legend in four parts Libretto: Hector Berlioz, Almire Gandonnière and Gérard de Nerval Sung in French Musical direction Stéphane Denève Choreography and stage direction Nanine Linning Set design by visual artist Levi van Veluw Collaboration set design Bart van Merode Costume design Irina Shaposhnikova Lighting design Benedikt Zehm Dramaturgy Laura Roling and Claus Spahn Marguerite Angela Brower Faust John Osborn Méphistophélès Kyle Ketelsen Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra Chorus of Dutch National Opera Chorus master Edward Ananian-Cooper Nieuw Amsterdams Children’s Chorus (part of Nieuw Vocaal Amsterdam) Co-production with Scapino Ballet Rotterdam Premiere 9/6/2027 Subsequent performances: 13*, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27* June 2027 | Curtain-up: 19:30 / *14:00 | Ticket sales start on: 27 August 2026 | Price Category: B | Location: Main Stage, Dutch National Opera & Ballet Photo: Petrovsky & Ramone Holland Festival La damnation de Faust Hector Berlioz (1803–1869) “ Linning created a wondrously beautiful choreography” Trouw on Antigone
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