Following cuts to its 2026 season, the Bayreuth Festival’s leadership is disappointed by the decision.

In a statement, Katharina Wagner said she is disappointed about cutting four operas from the anniversary season.

She said, “But what should you do? You can’t close your eyes to reality. All of this is also about the medium-term financial planning of the festival… A decisive role is played by whether the tariff increases are absorbed or whether we have to cover them from our own budget.”

The festival noted that if the cuts weren’t made the festival would be at risk of fewer performances and new productions as well as major structural cuts.