Overview

• Christine Lagarde delivered the keynote at the June 26 opening ceremony in Munich’s National Theatre, invoking European unity and the enduring power of culture.
• Bavarian Prime Minister Markus Söder stressed art's importance for democratic societies while Arts Minister Markus Blume confirmed a €100 million annual state subsidy.
• The festival programme includes 13 productions led by Mozart’s 'Don Giovanni'—directed by David Herrmann and opening June 27—and Gabriel Fauré’s 'Pénélope'.
• The beloved Apollon-Stufenbar has reopened on the National Theatre steps at Max-Joseph-Platz, reviving a key social venue for festival attendees.
• An open-air performance of 'Don Giovanni' for the 'Oper für alle' event is scheduled on July 6, aiming to bring opera to Munich’s public squares.