In 2026, there will be an extra focus on the Royal Swedish Orchestra: since 1526, the orchestra's musicians have brightened the lives of both royalty and theatergoers.
500 years with the Royal Swedish Orchestra
500 years of music – from Gustav Vasa to the present day
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DATES:May 21
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TIME:7 p.m.
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STAGE:Main stage
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RUNNING TIME:approx. 1h 45 min
500 years of the Royal Swedish Orchestra offers a journey through classical music, opera and ballet - from the time of Gustav Vasa to the present day.
A gallop i breakneck speed through 500 years! In an entertaining way and with a lot of music, the Royal Swedish Orchestra tells the audience its own story: from the first steps during the reign of Gustav Vasa, via the journey from court music to opera orchestra, up to today's activities, where the Royal Swedish Orchestra is almost daily responsible for the music behind the opera and ballet performances.
The concert on May 21 (500 år med Hovkapellet) is an extended version of the Family Concert that is played on May 14.
Programme 500 Years with the Royal Swedish Orchestra
Excerpts from the following works
VINCENZO ALBERICI Sonata a 5
JOHAN HELMICH ROMAN Drottningholmsmusiken
CHRISTOPH WILLIBALD GLUCK Orfeo ed Euridice
WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZART Die Zauberflöte (The Queen of the Night's aria »Der Hölle Rache«)
JOSEPH MARTIN KRAUS Funeral Music for Gustav III
GIOACHINO ROSSINI Il barbiere di Siviglia (Figaro's aria »Largo al factotum«)
PJOTR TJAJKOVSKIJ Swan Lake
RICHARD WAGNER Die Walküre (Ride of the Valkyries)
INTERVAL
HUGO ALFVÉN Midsommarvaka
DAVID BJÖRKMAN Fanfare
KARL-BIRGER BLOMDAHL Aniara
GYÖRGY LIGETI Le grand macabre
BRITTA BYSTRÖM Jordens hjärta/Eatnama vaibmu
WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZART Die Zauberflöte (Papageno and Papagena duet)
GIOACHINO ROSSINI Il barbiere di Siviglia (ending of the overture)
With
The Royal Swedish Orchestra
Swedish Armed Forces Music Corps
Opera soloists Jens Persson Hertzman and Minna Tägil
Conductor André Callegaro
Masters of ceremonies Marianne Eklöf & Anton Lundqvist
The Orchestra on Swedish public service TV
Hovkapellet - 500 years of music
It all started in 1526 when Gustav Vasa, as newly crowned king, wanted to mark his 'glorious elevation' by hiring 12 'pipers and trumpeters'. Today, around 100 musicians are needed to perform operas, ballets and concerts. At this specially recorded TV concert for the orchestra's 500th anniversary this year, the Royal Swedish Orchestra plays music from the 500 years the orchestra has existed. The Opera's music director and Royal Court Kapellmeister Alan Gilbert holding the baton for this festive concert.
The world's oldest orchestras
The world's five oldest orchestras that, several centuries after they were founded, continue to play today. SVT visits five European cities where music has always been at the center, where the greatest musicians of all time have sought out and many of history's most famous composers have been invited to premiere their works. One of these is Stockholm and the Royal Swedish Orchestra.
Celebrate the anniversary year with the Royal Orchestra
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Jubilee
Strauss with the Royal Orchestra
The Royal Swedish Orchestra's anniversary year continues with an evening dedicated to Richard Strauss, with both singing and orchestral music, all conducted by Thomas Guggeis.
Strauss with the Royal Orchestra -
Jubilee
Family Concert with the Royal Swedish Orchestra
Hurray for the first 500 years - throughout 2026 we have a little extra focus on the world's oldest (!) but also most vital orchestras: the Royal Swedish Orchestra!
Family Concert with the Royal Swedish Orchestra -
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Jubilee
Strauss with the Royal Orchestra
The Royal Swedish Orchestra's anniversary year continues with an evening dedicated to Richard Strauss, with both singing and orchestral music, all conducted by Thomas Guggeis.
Strauss with the Royal Orchestra -
Jubilee
Family Concert with the Royal Swedish Orchestra
Hurray for the first 500 years - throughout 2026 we have a little extra focus on the world's oldest (!) but also most vital orchestras: the Royal Swedish Orchestra!
Family Concert with the Royal Swedish Orchestra -
Your visit to the Opera
Frequesntly asked questions
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At what time do I have to be at the Opera before the performance?
We recommend that you arrive at least half an hour before the performance begins. If you can arrive earlier, it's even better: 45 minutes before the start of the performance, there is a free audience introduction in the Golden Foyer - an excellent way to approach the performance! Please note that once the performance has started, no one will be allowed into the hall until after the first intermission.
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It's my first time at the Opera - what do I do?
We have put together some useful tips for your visit. Otherwise, our best advice is to arrive on time - discover the Opera House, leave your coat in the cloakroom, eat or drink something. AND, ask our ushers - they'll be happy to help! Outerwear and bags should be left in the cloakroom for safety and evacuation reasons.
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Can my ticket be rebooked or cancelled if I or someone in my party is ill?
You can rebook tickets yourself on the website up to 24 hours before the start of the performance within the the current season. Tickets cannot be cancelled (read more in our general terms and conditions).
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Can you eat and drink at the Opera?
Of course you can! Our partner Restaurang Grodan is on the ground floor facing Strömgatan - take the opportunity to book a table ahead of your visit! Each floor also has a service with drinks and snacks, at the stalls' café there is a slightly larger selection. We advice you to pre-book the intermission service so it is ready and waiting for you during the interval!
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