The Nice Opera House has unveiled the upcoming programming for the 2025/2026 season, themed around freedom, inclusion, and innovation, with a new theme “Free of Spirit” and a program of over 60 events.
“When the world is unsteady, there needs to be a place where one can think freely,” says [Bertrand Rossi](https://www.nicepremium.fr/culture/interview-bertrand-rossi-directeur-de-l-opera-nous-devons-nous-adapter-en-permanence-a-notre-monde29575/), the general director of the Nice Opera, explaining the theme for this new season. Since his appointment by Mayor Christian Estrosi, the course has been clear: dare, shift, surprise, even if it means to “splash,” as long as it serves art. This commitment pays off, with 80,000 spectators having passed through the doors of the opera this year, almost a record. Of these, 25% are under 30, and 7,400 young people were welcomed for free as part of educational programs. A rejuvenation reflecting the desire to democratize access to culture.
A Theme to Unite: “Free of Spirit”
The season brochure is published in white or blue. This is done to leave the cover open to the spectator’s interpretation—a strong gesture that encourages creativity among the spectators. Everyone is free to imagine, draw, or invent what their opera will be. And for the first time, the programming is presented in chronological order, with no implicit hierarchy between “minor” and “major” events.
An Immersive Season Starting in Summer
The season will not start in the fall as usual, but in the summer, with “A Day at the Opera”. An immersive experience by Étienne Guiol, available from July 4 to October 7, a 360° projection that will plunge the audience into the backstage, sets, and magic of opera for 45 minutes. With a single goal: to make opera lively and accessible to everyone. The rest of the year’s programming is multidisciplinary. Under the artistic direction of choreographer Pontus Lidberg. The season includes eight lyric productions, five choreographic pieces, 13 symphonic concerts, six family concerts, and more than 30 other concerts and events.
However, some significant scenes have been presented. Such as Satyagraha, a spiritual and political opera about Gandhi, from October 3 to 7, and The Nutcracker, a grand classic ballet known for the end-of-year festivities, from December 17 to 31. For music lovers, a Tchaikovsky concert with Nice pianist David Kadouch, on November 7 and 8. And a tribute to Shostakovich, on September 13. Families are also invited to take seats at the opera with “Thumbelina.” A show for the youngest audience based on Andersen from November 18–29. Additionally, a novelty for 7–10-year-olds, with snacks on stage. And for the little ones aged 1 to 4 with the Nice Pitchoun Philharmonic to awaken them early to classical music.
An Opera in Motion
The opera, erected in 1885, must be preserved. The city will undertake major renovations around 2026-2027, for a duration of three years. In the meantime, several venues are being studied to maintain the season such as the Palais Nikaïa or the Congress Palace with its acoustics under review. The Nice Opera will be equipped with new stage technologies. This season, the ballet will get a new official name: The Ballet of the Nice Opera. Bertrand Rossi makes sure to thank the teams, including technicians, machinists, musicians, stage managers, costume designers, and everyone “who make art a public service.” The director’s single ambition for this new season: to thrill, think, and dream.
