Dresden offers a vibrant cultural life to its residents and visitors. Music lovers will feel particularly at home with the wide array of musical performances on hand in the Dresden theater scene.
Below are a few of my select top locations…
Saxon State Opera Dresden
This iconic Dresden theater has become a symbol of the resilience of the city. After the Saxon State Opera (Theaterplatz 2) was demolished in the fire bombing of the Second World War, the German Democratic Republic (i.e., East Germany) began a reconstruction project.
It has since been restored to its former glory and today features such classic performances as Wagner’s Tannhäuser and Strauss’s Elektra.
The Dresden Philharmonic
The city orchestra is the Dresden Philharmonic (Kulturpalast am Altmarkt). Founded in 1870, this historic orchestra and choir performs about eighty rousing concerts per year at the Kulturpalast (Culture Palace) — although on occasion you may catch their special music at the Kreuzkirche, the Schloss Albrechtsberg or the Dresden College of Music.
Dresden State Orchestra of Saxony
Dresden is a city of music, whohoo! You’ll find even more beautiful performances at the State Orchestra of Saxony (Theaterplatz 2). This Dresden theater is believed to be one of the oldest, continually-running orchestras in the world, with over 450 years of tradition.
Richard Strauss once worked closely with the orchestra and premiered many of his newest works here. Several famous personages have acted as conductors, like Richard Wagner, Carl Maria von Weber, Heinrich Schütz and Karl Böhm. With such a rich heritage, it is no surprise that Dresden is world-renowned for its vibrant musical history.
Dresden Kreuzchor Boys’ Choir
This German boys’ choir was originally formed in the 13th century! It is comprised of boys and men from the ages of 9 to 19.
You can find them singing vespers every Saturday in the local churches. They also give larger performances at the State Orchestra and the Dresden Philharmonic. All in all, they give about 100 shows every year in the city, as well as at some international venues. Pretty cool!
CinemaxX Dresden
The CinemaxX (Loschwitzer Straße 52) is a Dresden cinema that shows English and American movies in the original language. Head to the CinemaxX Dresden on a rainy day or to catch the latest blockbuster.
