The “Opernfestspiele Heidenheim” (Heidenheim Opera Festival) has been honored with the prestigious Oper! Award 2025 in the category of Best Festival, celebrating its outstanding programming and artistic excellence. The award ceremony took place on February 21st at the La Monnaie/De Munt opera house in Brussels, recognizing the festival’s unique combination of open-air opera productions, symphonic concerts, and educational projects.

Under the artistic direction of Marcus Bosch, Opernfestspiele Heidenheim (OH!) has gained international recognition for its commitment to early Verdi operas, performed with historical authenticity by the festival’s in-house orchestra, Cappella Aquileia. The jury of music journalists highlighted the festival’s ability to transform Heidenheim, a city of just 50,000 inhabitants, into a center of excellence for Verdi’s "galley years" operas.

"This award is a great honor for us and confirms the artistic path we have taken in recent years," said Marcus Bosch, who has led the festival since 2010. "It is gratifying to see that our work is not only acknowledged but also highly valued on an international scale."

The 2025 edition of OH! will continue its dedication to Verdi with a production of Attila, alongside an extensive musical program featuring world-class soloists.

Ph © Ulf Jrentz