Bavarian State Opera Sees ‘Astounding’ Shift in China’s Classical Scene

Published: Oct. 6, 2025 3:48 p.m. GMT+8

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Serge Dorny.

The Bavarian State Opera, one of Europe’s most storied cultural institutions, has brought the first-ever opera festival to the Chinese mainland, staging two classic operas and a concert at the Shanghai Grand Theatre from Oct. 1 to 8.

The event, titled “Bavarian Resonance,” marks a significant expansion into Asia for the company and its resident orchestra, the Bavarian State Orchestra.

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The Bavarian State Opera held its first opera festival in China in October 2025, reflecting China’s growing sophistication and engagement with Western classical music.
General Director Serge Dorny emphasizes opera’s social responsibility to foster community, encourage cultural dialogue, and continuously connect classical works with contemporary issues.
Dorny’s approach increased youth engagement and attendance in Lyon, advocating for accessible, inclusive programming and long-term planning to sustain vibrant arts institutions globally.

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Who’s Who

The Bavarian State Opera: The Bavarian State Opera is a leading European cultural institution, founded in 1653, with over 500 years of history. It recently held China's first-ever opera festival in Shanghai, showcasing two classic operas and a concert. Led by General Director Serge Dorny since 2021, the company is known for its high-caliber productions and vast repertoire.

Bavarian State Orchestra: The Bavarian State Orchestra, founded over 500 years ago, is the resident orchestra of the Bavarian State Opera. It's recognized as one of Munich's three world-class ensembles. The orchestra recently made its debut at the National Centre for the Performing Arts in Beijing, performing a demanding symphonic program to a "concentrated, engaged, and well-prepared" audience.

Opéra National de Lyon: Serge Dorny was the artistic head of the Opéra National de Lyon in France for two decades. During his tenure, he modernized the institution, boosting attendance from 78% to 96% and increasing the proportion of audience members under 25 to a quarter. He achieved this by revamping ticket policies, introducing new works, and launching community outreach projects. In 2003, while leading the Opéra National de Lyon, Dorny brought the institution to perform in Beijing, Guangzhou, and Shanghai as part of the China–France Cultural Exchange Year.

London Philharmonic Orchestra: The London Philharmonic Orchestra was the first Western orchestra to tour China. Serge Dorny worked with them prior to his time at Opéra National de Lyon. He noted that the orchestra relied on earned income like ticket sales and sponsorships due to limited government funding in the 1990s.

Munich Philharmonic: The Munich Philharmonic is considered one of Munich's three world-class ensembles, alongside the Bavarian State Orchestra and the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra. This 500-year-old orchestra holds a leading position in the European opera world, supported by public funding and a stable ensemble.

Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra: The Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra is recognized as one of Munich's three world-class music ensembles. This orchestra is mentioned alongside the Bavarian State Opera's more than 500-year-old orchestra and the Munich Philharmonic. The article highlights its status in the European opera world.

Shanghai Opera: Shanghai Opera was mentioned in an interview with Serge Dorny, general director of the Bavarian State Opera. He saw a performance of "Turandot" with the Shanghai Opera in 2019, noting the young, attentive audience that left a deep impression on him.

Wiener Staatsoper: The Wiener Staatsoper (Vienna State Opera) is mentioned as one of the world-class opera houses, alongside the Bavarian State Opera in Munich, La Scala in Milan, and the Metropolitan Opera in New York. Located in Vienna, it represents a benchmark for artistic excellence and institutional professionalism in the opera world.

La Scala: La Scala in Milan is recognized as one of the world's premier opera houses. It's often mentioned alongside institutions like the Wiener Staatsoper in Vienna, the Bayerische Staatsoper in Munich, and the Metropolitan Opera in New York, as a benchmark for excellence in the operatic arts.

Metropolitan Opera: The Metropolitan Opera in New York is mentioned as one of the world-class opera houses, alongside institutions like the Bavarian State Opera, Wiener Staatsoper, and La Scala in Milan. The article suggests that Chinese arts institutions should aspire to stand alongside these renowned global venues.

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