Bayerische Staatsoper

Considered one of the best opera companies in the world, the Bavarian State Opera puts the emphasis on Mozart, Strauss and Wagner but doesn't shy away from early baroque pieces by Monteverdi and others of the period. In summer it hosts the prestigious Opernfestspiele. Performances are at the Nationaltheater in the Residenz and often sell out.

The opera's 'house band' is the Bayerisches StaatsorchesterM0245, in business since 1523 and thus Munich's oldest orchestra. It's currently under the capable helm of Kent Nagano who occasionally shakes up the tried-and-true repertory with contemporary and avant-garde works.