Abstract
Guided by members of the orchestra and experienced music school teachers, more than 90 children rehearse excerpts from the operas "Carmen" and "Hänsel und Gretel" – repertoire that is usually performed only by professional orchestras. The children collaborate with artists and gain insight into the workings of an opera orchestra at the Zurich Opera House.
Over a period of ten months, they develop their musical skills and learn what it means to blend into an orchestral sound and become part of a larger whole. They learn to take responsibility in order to create music together and ultimately perform it with soloists and the Children’s Chorus of the Zurich Opera House. The first performance is conducted jointly by Gianandrea Noseda and Ann-Katrin Stöcker, while all subsequent performances are under the musical direction of Ann-Katrin Stöcker. The concerts are hosted by Nina Mavis Brunner.
The Children’s Opera Orchestra can also be experienced at the three-day summer highlight "Opernhaus für alle" from 26 to 28 June 2026 on Sechseläutenplatz.


