Your first time?

• Follow your intuition! Perhaps start with a shorter opera before increasing the dose. But boldly starting with a work by Richard Wagner or a late romantic opera by Richard Strauss can also change your life. Mozart's operas are a good way to get to know the world of opera because the characters are human and approachable. You may succumb to the magic of ballet more quickly with a narrative ballet such as Swan Lake or The Nutcracker than with a more abstract evening. But even these develop a power that will not leave you untouched.
• Belcanto operas are a good way to start, with their flowing melody lines and the special expressive power of “beautiful singing”. Rossini, Donizetti and Bellini are typical belcanto composers. And the stories that Verdi and Puccini turned into masterpieces always aim for the heart.

• Most operas have the length of an average movie, between two and three hours. There is usually an interval during which you can stroll through the foyers, order a drink from one of the buffets or get some fresh air. You can find the duration of the performances at semperoper.de/calendar

Our tip: Order the catering for the interval when you buy your tickets, your drinks and food will be ready for you in the foyer.

• A visit to the Semperoper is possible at quite affordable prices. Find offers such as Lunchtime performances and Dresden Days.
• The most expensive seats are in the box in the 1st tier and in the front rows of the stalls.

Our tip: Select your seats in the virtual 3D seating plan in the webshop. Many of our patrons find the sound a little further back even better than right at the front of the auditorium.

• Catering in the Semperoper is provided by bean & beluga for many years. Buffets are located in almost all foyers, however, coffee specialties are only available at the two ground floor buffets. Please note that cashless payment is not possible at all buffets, as WLAN coverage in the historic building is uneven.
• The buffets are open from admission one hour before the start of the performance and during the intervals. The terraces, which can be reached via the side vestibules, are particularly recommended in fine weather.

Our tip: order the catering for the interval when you buy tickets in the webshop, your drinks and food will be ready for you in the foyer - you won't have to wait.

• Please dress in a way that makes you feel comfortable. We are happy for you to dress up a bit, suitable for the elegant atmosphere of our opera house. For special occasions such as premieres, gala events and festive concerts, evening dresses and tuxedos are by no means out of place.
• Please leave your coats and jackets at the checkroom, as these items of clothing may not be taken into the auditorium.

Please note, especially in the warmer months: sportswear is not suitable for visiting the opera, flip-flops pose a danger to yourself and others in an emergency, and admission may even be refused by the admission staff.

• Punctuality: Please arrive on time. The doors close very punctually at the start of the performance, later admission is only possible during an interval. For late arrivals, there is a screen in the checkroom foyer which gives an impression of the performance.
• Cell phones: Please switch off your cell phone completely in the auditorium or set it to flight mode, so as not to disturb the performance.
• Photography and filming: Photography is not permitted during the performance without exception; our staff will ensure that this is adhered to and will ask you to delete any recordings after the performance if necessary.

Our tip: Enjoy the moment and the atmosphere of this unique live experience.

• For many visitors, the introduction to the work is essential, in order to get to know a piece better and learn more about the plot, the composer and the staging.
• However, you can also visit the opera without any prior knowledge and read everything you need to know any time later at semperoper.de
• The introduction to the work takes place 45 minutes before the performance, in the basement, and lasts about 20 minutes
• Participation in the introduction to the work is free of charge, no registration is required and there is free admission.

• Applause is an important part of the opera experience. Applause is usually given at the end of a scene or an act. If you are unsure when the right moment is, simply take your cue from the audience in the auditorium.
• At the end of the performance, please pay attention to the conductor. You should only applaud at their signal so that the last notes can still resonate.
• Bravos and boos: You are welcome to cheer singers during the applause with “Brava!” (female singer) or “Bravo!” (singer) and “Bravi!” (choir).
• If you didn't like the performance, don't clap, that's enough. A boo can be very hurtful.

• The program booklet contains detailed information about the opera, the composer and the plot. You may purchase the program booklet in the foyers and directly at the entrance to the auditorium. Please pay for it in cash.
• The cast list is enclosed with the program booklet, but can also be purchased separately - please have change ready. It lists the names of the singers, musicians and most important participants in the current performance - and may one day be the lovingly preserved souvenir of your first visit to the opera.