With “Rock the Opera”, conductor Friedemann Riehle has created an extraordinary concert experience that has since achieved cult status. For many years, the program has been a fixed part of the summer season at the Vienna State Opera, where it captivates an international audience every August.
Riehle connects the emotional power of legendary rock songs with the sonic depth of a large symphony orchestra, precise and respectful to the originals, yet at the same time overwhelmingly new.
On Saturday, 17 October 2026, “Rock the Opera” will be presented at de Doelen for the first time.
Highlights from the setlist:
Pink Floyd – Brain Damage / Eclipse, Comfortably Numb
Led Zeppelin – Whole Lotta Love
Queen – Somebody to Love, Don’t Stop Me Now, We Are The Champions
U2 – Where The Streets Have No Name
Black Sabbath – Paranoid
Deep Purple – Highway Star
AC DC – Thunderstruck
Artists:
Giusy Ferrigno – vocals
Sabina Olijve – vocals
Giacomo Voli – vocals
Jiri Rambousek – guitar
František Hönig – drums (performed with Frank Zappa)
The Symphonic Rock Orchestra
Friedemann Riehle – conductor
