Glamorous characters, splendid locations and the rich seductive sounds of a Strauss opera: Der Rosenkavalier returns to The Royal Opera in the famous and lavish period production by Oscar-winning film director John Schlesinger.

Set in mid-18th-century Vienna, Der Rosenkavalier is a romantic comedy which follows the course of love of Sophie and Octavian and the comic downfall of Baron Ochs. Octavian falls for Sophie when delivering a token of the Baron’s affection. ). Through it all, the sophisticated Marschallin comes to terms in poignant fashion with passing life and changing love.

Der Rosenkavalier is a showpiece of an opera in every way, not least for the orchestra of the Royal Opera House under the baton of Kirill Petrenko, and for the appropriate indulgence of its stage images through the beautiful designs.

Its score has an opulence and shimmer, whether in the famous Act II Presentation of the Rose or the whirling Viennese waltzes of Act II. The combination of Strauss, this production and a splendid cast make this production of Der Rosenkavalier a night at the opera that promises to be both glorious and glamorous,  brightening December’s darkness with seasonal sparkle.

Der Rosenkavalier is performed in German with English surtitles.

Learn more about London operas within the West End.