About

Nils Braun, born in 1996 in Cologne, Germany, discovered his passion for the performing arts at an early age. While still in school, he gained hands-on experience at the Theater Baden-Baden, where he assisted in several productions and composed music, laying the foundation for his future career in opera and theater direction.

After completing his studies, Braun immersed himself in the world of opera, following acclaimed directors such as Barry Kosky, Kasper Holten, Stefan Herheim, and Andreas Homoki to leading opera houses in Amsterdam, Berlin, Helsinki, Madrid, Dresden, and Zürich. This exposure to diverse artistic approaches profoundly shaped his vision and skills.

Braun went on to work as an assistant director at prominent institutions, including the Chemnitz Opera, the Oldenburg State Opera, the Badisches Staatstheater Karlsruhe, and the Deutsche Oper am Rhein Düsseldorf. In 2018, he received the Ring Award Special Prize for International Directors for his innovative concept for Don Pasquale.

As a director, Braun has led numerous productions across Europe, with a particular emphasis on premiering new works. His credits include the world premiere of The Crash, an opera by Russell Hepplewhite, as well as the premiere of the play Hector's Journey or The Search for Happiness. Both productions exemplify his dedication to collaborating with contemporary composers and librettists to bring fresh, compelling narratives to the stage.

Braun is passionate about shaping the future of theater and opera by championing new works that resonate with modern audiences. His artistic mission is to develop a new canon for the performing arts—one that reflects the challenges, aspirations, and diverse perspectives of today's world. By fostering inspiring partnerships and embracing innovative storytelling, Braun seeks to create productions that leave a lasting impact on audiences and contribute to the evolution of theater and opera.