Senator for Culture: No Halt to Construction at Komische Oper

Is the renovation of the Komische Oper in jeopardy? Berlin's Senator for Culture, Joe Chialo, made a definitive statement at the premiere of ‘Messiah’ regarding the ongoing construction. He announced that there will be no pause in the renovation work at the Komische Oper, despite the capital's budget constraints. “The Komische Oper belongs on Behrenstrasse, and that’s where it will stay,” he asserted after the premiere at Tempelhof Airport. The CDU politician emphasized that “we will not be attacking the heart of this city.” He noted that while culture has the smallest budget, it has the greatest impact on the community.

Recently, several Berlin media outlets reported that, in light of the black-red coalition's austerity measures, projects like the renovation and modernization of the Komische Oper could be at risk. The estimated costs for this renovation are around 415 million pounds. Currently, the Komische Oper ensemble is performing at the Schillertheater in Charlottenburg due to the ongoing construction.

However, following the premiere of ‘Messiah,’ Georg Friedrich Handel’s renowned work (1685-1759) will continue to be performed by the Komische Oper in September and October on a 60 by 20 meter stage at the old Tempelhof Airport, which accommodates up to 1,800 spectators.