Anyone who is curious about opera but thinks, “this isn’t for me,” is given a perfect opportunity here. OFF shows that opera can also be accessible, contemporary and surprising — with shorter performances, topical themes and makers who push the boundaries of the genre. Especially for young people and first-time visitors, this festival offers an inviting way to discover opera from a fresh perspective. Ticket sales are moving fast, so don’t wait too long.

From 6 to 22 March 2026, OFF celebrates its 10th anniversary with performances at De Nationale Opera, Muziekgebouw aan ’t IJ, Frascati and other venues across the city. In addition to performances, the programme includes concerts, performances, talks, student labs and a special Opera Europa festival conference.

The five OFF productions in 2026:

• Theory of Flames – Michel van der Aa
World premiere of a film opera in which cinema and music theatre merge. Themes include disinformation and social polarisation.
Dates: 6, 8, 12, 14 and 22 March 2026 | Tickets from €19

• Requiem for Mariza – Meriç Artaç & Sarah Sluimer
A poetic contemporary requiem exploring memory, farewell and the transition between life and death.
Dates: 13–21 March 2026 | Tickets from €16

• The Knife of Dawn – Hannah Kendall & Tessa McWatt
A powerful opera about activism, poetry and resistance, set inside a prison cell.
Dates: 14–18 March 2026 | Tickets from €16

• Les enfants terribles – Philip Glass
An intimate chamber opera about a destructive brother–sister relationship, performed by emerging talent from De Nationale Opera Studio.
Dates: 14–24 March 2026 | Tickets via external sales

• Harvest – Cora Burggraaf
A theatrical concert that places experienced voices at the centre, offering new perspectives.
Date: 12 March 2026 | Tickets from €12.50