Opera Forward Festival: Urgent, compelling and extravagant
The Opera Forward Festival is a contrarian exploration of uncharted territory. From March 14 to 23, immerse yourself in musical performances and presentations by established names as well as a new generation of creators.
With groundbreaking musical theater productions, special performances and in-depth programs, the Opera Forward Festival (OFF) seeks new sounds in the opera world. From classical singing to jazz, techno, spoken word and noise. The festival presents performances by artists from a variety of disciplines. Each will showcase possible future directions and influences for the art form of opera.
The Opera Forward Festival is the place to discover new and experimental opera. In addition to three brand-new productions in the main hall, an opera installation in Studio Boekman and inspiring student labs where young creators present idiosyncratic creations, the entire theater is buzzing with performances and other contextual programs that cast opera in a new light. Meet the opera makers of today and tomorrow and be surprised by the varied program OFF has to offer.
"Opera is not only an art form of the past, but a medium for the future. Immerse yourself in musical performances and presentations by established names as well as a new generation of creators."
This ninth edition of the festival looks back and forward: how did we get here and where can we go? In a time full of polarization, crisis and violence, we are looking for a way forward. The overarching question during the festival is therefore: What aim, what future, what peace?
Talks
Opera is a genre that can move, and can spark movement. Therefore, during the Opera Forward Festival, we will discuss stereotyping, the climate crisis, inclusion and the power and responsibility of both the genre and the institution. The TALKS will take place in the foyer.
Labs
The Opera Forward Festival challenges the creators of the future to make opera their own. Students from various art schools are inspired by the genre and by each other's ideas and craftsmanship. During the festival you will experience their research, and discoveries in a variety of forms: the LABS.

DISTRICT
Amsterdam Center
The center of Amsterdam is a busy district close to the central train station, with lively bars and laid-back restaurants. Tourists of all nationalities watch street performers on Dam Square, near the 17th-century Royal Palace and the Gothic New Church. Shoppers can indulge at the stores...Contact
Most Popular
-
Culture
Nxt Museum, first museum in NL for new media art
Discover large-scale, digital art installations that expand your view
-
Culture
Anna Nooshin opens Instagram experience The Upside Down
With 1,500m2 and 25 rooms, The Upside Down is Europe's largest Instagram museum
-
Culture
Sensory art centers bring art to life
Experience digital and sensory art experiences at Nxt Museum, Noorderkerk and Westergas
-
Culture
EYE Film Museum: discover the world of cinema
Step into the world of cinematography. From films to exhibitions and festivals
-
Culture
MOCO Museum: Modern, Contemporary & Street Art Museum
On display works by Banksy, Kaws, Dali, Herring, Kusama, Warhol and Basquiat

Sensory art centers bring art to life
Today, in many international museums, you can experience art in a totally new way where, as a viewer, you...
Amsterdam Center

Fringe Festival
The Amsterdam Fringe Festival is an unselected, untamed and unjudged festival: an ode to theatrical madness, the...
Amsterdam Center

The Rembrandt House: The house where Rembrandt lived and worked
The Rembrandt House is where Rembrandt van Rijn created some of his most acclaimed masterpieces. Rembrandt lived...
Amsterdam Center

Nothing is what it seems: Museum of Illusions opens in heart of Amsterdam
Look again. And again. Are your eyes seeing what your head is thinking? This summer, Amsterdam opens the...
Amsterdam Center

Araki in Foam
Araki is one of the most important Japanese artists of our time. He is known for his seemingly detached...
Amsterdam Center

Unseen Photo Fair moves to the NDSM Loods
Unseen Photo Fair is the international photography fair dedicated to showcasing undiscovered photography talent and...
19
Sep
Amsterdam North

Senatori Art Gallery opened in Spiegelkwartier
Amsterdam-based artist Selwyn Senatori is thinking big. The neo-pop artist thought it was high time for a gallery within walking distance of...
Amsterdam Center