Giselle Vienna

Giselle — The Jewel of Romantic Ballet at the Vienna State Opera

Giselle is one of the most beloved and enduring works in the classical ballet repertoire, and a defining masterpiece of the Romantic era. With a score composed by Adolphe Adam in 1841 and a libretto inspired by a legend recounted by the poet Heinrich Heine, the ballet tells the story of a young peasant girl whose innocence is shattered by betrayal — and whose love transcends even death. Since its world premiere at the Paris Opéra in 1841, Giselle has become the ultimate test of a ballerina's technical and dramatic range, demanding equal mastery of joyful lightness in Act I and ethereal, otherworldly grace in Act II.

The Vienna State Ballet performs Giselle in a celebrated production choreographed for Vienna in 1993 by Elena Tchernichova, built upon a striking and distinctive visual concept: against a backdrop of grey and muted tones, the dancers appear in vivid signal colours, creating an extraordinary visual contrast between the living world and the realm of spirits. The production's premiere, led by Brigitte Stadler and the legendary Vladimir Malakhov, is remembered as one of the greatest nights in the company's modern history. With over 80 performances to its name, this Giselle remains the calling card of the Wiener Staatsballett.

The Vienna State Opera (Wiener Staatsoper) is one of the world's leading performing arts institutions, situated on the iconic Ringstrasse in the heart of Vienna. Its stage has hosted the greatest artists of every generation, and its ballet company — the Vienna State Ballet — is internationally acclaimed for its technical excellence and artistic depth. Each performance in this magnificent hall is an event to savour.

• Venue: Vienna State Opera (Wiener Staatsoper), Main Stage — Opernring 2, 1010 Vienna, Austria
• Performances: 23 & 26 & 30 April, 2 & 8 May 2026
• Format: Two acts with one intermission (approx. 25 min)
• Composer: Adolphe Adam
• Choreography: Elena Tchernichova (Vienna version, 1993)
• Company: Vienna State Ballet (Wiener Staatsballett)
• Genre: Romantic Ballet
• Language: No dialogue — universal storytelling through dance
• Getting There: U1, U2, U4 – Karlsplatz; Tram 1, 2, D – Oper/Karlsplatz

Book your Giselle tickets now and witness one of the great ballets of all time, performed by the Vienna State Ballet on the legendary stage of the Vienna State Opera in spring 2026. Whether you are a devoted ballet enthusiast or experiencing this timeless work for the first time, this is an evening of unforgettable beauty not to be missed.