Royal Swedish Orchestra 500 years
One of the world's oldest orchestras celebrates a milestone
-
DATE:January 17 at 7 p.m.
-
DATE:January 18 at 2 p.m.
-
STAGE:Main stage
-
RUNNING TIME:approx 2 hrs 20 mins incl. interval
Beethoven’s ninth symphony under the baton of Musical Director and Royal Court Kapellmeister Alan Gilbert kicked off the celebrations for the Orchestra's quincentennial.
This performance is not currently playing
Subscribe to our newsletter for information about upcoming seasons, ticket sales and possible re-runs of performances. You can search for previous performances in the Archive.
Subscribe to the newsletter →Anniversary Concerts
In the history of the Royal Swedish Orchestra, 2026 is a very special year. It is the year when the orchestra celebrates its fifth centenary. Celebrations will be held throughout the year – in spring we will be able to enjoy six magnificent concerts on the Royal Swedish Opera main stage. Don’t miss the opportunity to hear Beethoven’s ninth symphony under the baton of Musical Director and Royal Court Kapellmeister Alan Gilbert!
On 17 and 18 January the Royal Swedish Orchestra, the Royal Swedish Chorus and soloists will be performing one of the great musical masterpieces: Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9, the »Choral Symphony«. The concert includes a brand new piece by member of the Royal Swedish Orchestra Torbjörn Helander.
Jubilee programme
Ludwig van Beethoven Overture to Egmont, op. 84
Torbjörn Helander Time Weave (world premiere)
Iinterval
Ludwig van Beethoven Symphony No. 9 in D minor, op. 125.
Introduction to the concert on January 17 at 6 p.m. in the Golden Foyer with Mattias Lundberg (professor of musicology), Torbjörn Helander (violist and composer, Royal Swedish Orchestra) and Katarina Aronsson (moderator).
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
-
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 -
Jubilee
500 years with the Royal Swedish Orchestra
500 years of the Royal Court Orchestra offers a journey through classical music, opera and ballet - from the time of Gustav Vasa to the present day.
500 years with the Royal Swedish Orchestra
-
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 -
Jubilee
500 years with the Royal Swedish Orchestra
500 years of the Royal Court Orchestra offers a journey through classical music, opera and ballet - from the time of Gustav Vasa to the present day.
500 years with the Royal Swedish Orchestra
Your visit to the Opera
Frequesntly asked questions
-
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.
-
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.
-
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).
-
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!
Don't miss a single beat!
Did you know that our newsletter subscribers always get the latest information first? Stay up to date on upcoming productions, ticket releases and other news.
Subscribe to our newsletter →