A considerable time elapses between the selection of a particular opera and that opera appearing on stage. An opera production usually takes about two to three years of planning. After the Nationale Reisopera’s Intendant has chosen a particular opera, preparations begin. The Intendant negotiates a buyout with each theatre that will take the production, and discusses performances and rehearsal time with the orchestra involved.

The Reisopera always works with a range of regional orchestras and, at an early stage, looks for a conductor with whom the orchestra is happy to work on a particular production. The Intendant also chooses a director, and set, costume and lighting designers. If required, a choreographer or a production dramaturg is included in the team.

This so-called ‘artistic team’ collaborates closely together to create the best possible opera production. They listen to the music, study the score and libretto intensively, and develop their ideas of how to present the opera. Sometimes the dramaturg and director research the style of the period in which the story is to be set. They may also decide to perform the opera in an abstract, modern or contemporary setting. When the Intendant has approved the artistic team’s concept, the designers start work. The Intendant oversees the budget for each production and ensures the highest artistic quality. If at any point the Intendant has reservations about either the financial feasibility of the plans or the artistic ideas, he will inform the director and designers and discuss how to overcome the problems.