Performances of operas, ballet and plays in Stuttgart took place from the 17th century at the hall of Neues Lusthaus [de].

[2] In 1750, the building was remodeled as Stuttgart's opera house, named Königliches Hoftheater (Royal Court Theatre) in 1811.

Three operas by Carl Orff received their premieres there and the company has been associated with figures such as Wieland Wagner, Günther Rennert, Hans Werner Henze and Philip Glass.

Klaus Zehelein brought in directors Ruth Berghaus, Christof Nel, Hans Neuenfels, Peter Konwitschny and Jossi Wieler [de].

He created the Junge Oper, dedicated to performing music theatre works for young audiences.

[6] Numerous CD and DVD productions document Zehelein's interest in modern works and new staging concepts.