The “Ion Dacian” National Operetta and Musical Theatre celebrates the 200th anniversary of the birth of Johann Strauss II within the RE: STRAUSS Festival, taking place between 18–26 October 2025.
RE: STRAUSS is an innovative concept — a story about reinvention, the revitalization of the repertoire, the recovery of traditions, and a reflection on the institution’s history as it marks 75 years of existence. It is a theatre that continues to respond through creation, dialogue, and a contemporary artistic vision.
“Johann Strauss II is a composer of fundamental importance for the operetta genre — for its refined satire, the charm of the waltz, and the elegance of his music. We conceived this festival as more than a tribute; it is a declaration of love for authentic Viennese music. From the sparkling comedy of Viennese Blood, to the romantic adventure of The Gypsy Baron, culminating in the unique experience of the Strauss 200 Gala, crafted in the style of the salon orchestras from the era of the great composer who enchanted the Viennese imperial court.”
— declared Mr. Radu Petrovici, the theatre’s general manager.
Program RE:STRAUSS
Viennese Blood – 18 & 19 October 2025, 6:00 PM
An original premiere, presented as a concert‑performance staged by director Rareș Zaharia. Viennese Blood — the headliner of the festival — is both a tribute to the spirit of imperial Vienna and a story with a history of its own.
“I tried to distill this performance to its essence, because Viennese Blood is surprisingly close to the Mozart/Da Ponte trilogy in terms of characters and social meanings: the noble and common couples from The Marriage of Figaro, the seducer from Don Giovanni, and the play of identities in Così fan tutte. Such a story doesn’t need an elaborate set — it needs an open space in which it can unfold freely. With all the natural emotions of a premiere, I hope the audience will leave the theatre humming.” — stated the director.
Waltz. Dance. Waltz. – Strauss Jubilee – October 24, 2025, 19:00 PM
The event, part of the Operetta Lounge concert series held in the theatre’s foyer, is a celebration of the Strauss dynasty and of the great salon orchestras — a tribute to the music that transformed the waltz into an immortal art form.
Gala Strauss 200 – October 25, 2025 – 18.00 PM
The Strauss 200 Concert, performed by the Salon Orchestra together with soloists of the Operetta Theatre, takes place on the composer’s very birthday and embraces the format and style for which this music was originally conceived — the intimate, refined world of Vienna’s imperial salons.
The program features waltzes, polkas, gallops, and both well‑known and rediscovered orchestral works, all presented in their original orchestrations.
The Gypsy Baron – October 26, 2025, 18.00 PM
One of the most beloved titles in the Operetta’s current repertoire is honored with a single performance in the autumn season, presented as part of the festival.
The success enjoyed by The Gypsy Baron ever since its 1885 premiere has made it Johann Strauss II’s second most popular work, after Die Fledermaus.
Ignaz Schnitzer’s libretto, inspired by Jókai Mór’s novel Saffi, tells the story of Barinkay’s return from exile, only to find his family’s castle in ruins and occupied by the farmer Zsupan.
The celebration of the Strauss Bicentennial continues until the end of 2025 with four performances of Die Fledermaus, scheduled for 13, 14, 30, and 31 December — thus reinstating the tradition of staging the operetta on New Year’s Eve.
Re: Strauss Pass – Complete Experience
The special subscription dedicated to the Re: Strauss Festival Pass includes all four events and offers a 20% discount compared to individual ticket prices, along with free access to the event Waltz, Dance, Waltz, subject to availability at the time of purchase.
The full program is available on the theatre’s official website: www.opereta.ro.
Tickets: www.ticketstore.ro and at the theatre’s box office.
For additional information and press accreditation: marketing@opereta.ro