Staatsoper Unter den Linden opens season with Spontini’s La Vestale

The Staatsoper Unter den Linden in Berlin has opened its 2026/27 season with a new production of Gaspare Spontini’s “La Vestale.” This three-act tragic lyric opera, originally composed in 1807, explores themes of religious power, militarism, and individual freedom through the story of a Vestal Virgin named Julia and the commander Licinius.

Directed by Lydia Steier, the production offers a modern and controversial interpretation of the historical work. The staging utilizes dark and decrepit imagery to highlight patriarchal oppression and state repression, including symbolic elements such as burning books to fuel the eternal flame. While the production features prominent performers like Sonya Yoncheva and David Butt Philip, and is conducted by Carlo Rizzi, reviews note that the directorial choices regarding dramatic coherence and the removal of the original Act I ballet have sparked debate regarding the musical flow and impact of the performance.