Hamburg Ballett is currently undergoing a period of transformation, entering a new era. As part of this new beginning, changes and intensive reflection on existing structures are a natural part of the process.
The goal is to give this ongoing transformation and its associated questions the time and attention they deserve, in order to emerge stronger from the process. This path requires time, dialogue, and a responsible approach. At the same time, it remains essential to meet the high artistic standards of the choreographer, the ensemble, and the audience, and to honor the commitment of everyone involved in the creation of "Demian".
For this reason, Demis Volpi has decided to make a change to the program and reschedule the world premiere of "Demian", originally planned for July 6, 2025, to December 7, 2025.
Instead, audiences can look forward to a new production opening the 50th Hamburg Ballet Days on July 6, 2025: the premiere of "Surrogate Cities", which was initially scheduled as the first premiere of the 2025/26 season.
This ballet, choreographed by Demis Volpi and centered around the dynamic cosmos of urban life, premiered in April 2024 with Ballett am Rhein. Based on the composition of the same name by Heiner Goebbels, the work was highly acclaimed by audiences for its powerful and multilayered music, diverse choreography, and striking visual design.
Demis Volpi on the program change:
"I deeply regret having to pause work on 'Demian'—especially after the overwhelmingly positive feedback from the audience at last Sunday's Ballet Workshop. Still, given the current circumstances, this is the right decision. Shifting to the already existing production 'Surrogate Cities' allows me to dedicate more time and capacity to addressing the current challenges. The dancers and the entire team have done outstanding work on 'Demian', for which I am very grateful. I am already looking forward to continuing the process in the fall and bringing the piece to the stage in December."
Ticket holders who have already purchased tickets for "Demian" or "Surrogate Cities" will be contacted shortly by the Hamburg State Opera's ticket service and do not need to take any action at this time. Despite the program change, tickets remain valid for the originally booked performance date. The ticket hotline of the Hamburg State Opera can be reached at +49 (0)40 35 68 68.
"Surrogate Cities" (previously Demian):
Sun, July 6, 2025, 6:00 PM – Premiere
Tue, July 8, 2025, 7:30 PM
Wed, July 16, 2025, 7:30 PM
Sat, July 19, 2025, 8:00 PM
Sat, October 18, 2025, 7:30 PM
Tue, October 21, 2025, 7:30 PM
Thu, October 23, 2025, 7:30 PM
Fri, October 31, 2025, 6:00 PM
Sun, November 2, 2025, 6:00 PM
Wed, November 5, 2025, 7:30 PM
Sat, November 8, 2025, 7:30 PM
"Demian" (previously Surrogate Cities):
Sun, December 7, 2025, 6:00 PM – World Premiere
Tue, December 9, 2025, 7:30 PM
Fri, December 12, 2025, 7:30 PM
Tue, December 16, 2025, 7:30 PM
Wed, December 17, 2025, 7:30 PM
Thu, January 8, 2026, 7:30 PM
Fri, January 9, 2026, 7:30 PM
Thu, February 5, 2026, 7:30 PM
Fri, February 6, 2026, 7:30 PM
Thu, February 12, 2026, 7:30 PM
Sat, July 4, 2026, 8:00 PM
