Each opera house is a special, unique work of art. The list of the ten best opera houses in the world immerses you in an atmosphere of grandeur and sublimity.
Ten of the best, according to the book “The National Geographic”:
10. Lincoln Center, New York, USA
The Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, which harmoniously combines everything from the Metropolitan Opera, the New York Philharmonic, and the New York Ballet, also has a library and two theaters. The center promotes not only classics, but also innovations, something completely new, unfamiliar to the viewer. Operas at the Met are regularly filmed and performed in theaters around the world. The Arts Center of Lincoln Center also plays a significant role in the field of education: its rich repertoire contributes to the inspiration and creativity of students and professionals.
9. Vienna State Opera (Staatsoper), Vienna, Austria
Built in 1869, the Staatsoper opened with a performance of Mozart's Don Giovanni. Its reputation as a center musical life Venice has long been established, and the Staatsoper remains one of the world's best opera houses. Although much of it was destroyed on March 12, 1945, when the Allies bombed the city toward the end of World War II, the main staircase and some other public areas miraculously survived. To get an idea of what it looked like before the air raid, you only have to walk through the main entrance into the foyer. The theater you see now was reopened at the end of the Russian occupation of Austria, and the first play staged after for long years war, became Ludwig van Beethoven's Fidelio, a hymn to freedom.
8. Royal Opera of Versailles, Versailles, France
The interior of the Royal Opera House, located in the famous luxurious palace of Versailles, is distinguished by exquisite workmanship. The wooden walls were painted to resemble marble (and indeed, it is almost impossible to distinguish from the original). Gold combines harmoniously with pink and green shades of marble, sky blue curtains and upholstery. Breaking with the traditional Italian style (which most theaters follow), Royal Opera is surrounded by two balconies and the building itself is crowned with a vast colonnade, which, thanks to the play of mirrors, seems to stretch to infinity. Enge-Jacques Gabriel built the theater in 1769 in preparation for the marriage of the Dauphin, the future King Louis XVI, and Princess Marie Antoinette of Austria. After French Revolution the theater was used only occasionally for various events. Today, special gala performances are often held here.
7. Paris Opera, Paris, France
The main façade of the Opera produces strong impression, although it would seem that in Paris, a city where wonderful architectural sculptures are literally on every corner, it is no longer possible to surprise. The magnificently decorated building with its crowning dome was built in 1875. Grand Theatre the inside is suitable for both ballet and opera. Some of the largest ceremonial spaces in the world are here at the Paris Opera, where their grandeur lends importance various kinds events. The rich and vibrant interiors reflect the tastes and moods of France's Second Empire. In 1962, Marc Chagall created new frescoes in the center of the Palais Garnier ceiling. The result, no less impressive, is all the more remarkable because it does not contradict the formal character of the interior decor.
6. Sydney Opera House, Sydney, Australia
Situated on a piece of land jutting out into Sydney Harbour, the stunning, modern Sydney Opera House has stunning views of water dotted with sailboats. Even if attending a show isn't on your agenda, the Sydney Opera House is worth a visit just to look at the stunning building. The structure was designed by Jörn Utzon to offer a series of overlapping shells and sails. Grand opening took place in 1973. The first performance at the theater was Prokofiev’s “War and Peace.” The interior of each theater is paneled with different types of wood to improve the acoustics of the room and also make it more aesthetically pleasing. All main performance areas have their own foyers.
5. Bolshoi Theatre, Moscow, Russia
One of the main theaters in Russia, known for one of the best symphony orchestras in the world, the Bolshoi Theater in Moscow has been through fire, war and revolution. Its stunning neoclassical portico, topped by a statue of Apollo in his chariot, is a harbinger of the splendor that will appear before the eyes of visitors as soon as they step inside. In 2005, the theater was closed for reconstruction and was reopened only in the fall of 2011. Four balconies and a top gallery surround the orchestra, where seats include Chippendale chairs upholstered in red damask. Enjoys worldwide fame ballet troupe Moscow theater. Here, the famous choreographer Yuri Grigorovich staged memorable performances “ Swan Lake", "The Golden Age" and "Romance".
4. Royal Opera House, London, England
The Royal Opera House was built in Covent Garden at the beginning of the 18th century, and has not changed its location, but the modern theater building is already the third located on this site. The first operas of George Frideric Handel were performed at the Theater Royal, and later many operas and oratorios were written German composer for this place in particular. He performed here regularly from 1735 until the day of his death in 1759.
3. Teatro Colon, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Not to be outdone by the wealthy industrialists of the United States, the Argentines, as passionate fans of opera, completed the construction of the Teatro Colon in 1908. It is by no means easy to define the style of this theater: it has a little bit of everything, it took the best from various European theaters. And this is not surprising, because so many architects were involved in the construction. This outstanding recording from a huge opera house, containing great performances, is agreed upon only by the band famous artists that once graced its stage. The theater has its own exquisite costumes and picturesque construction departments.
2. Teatro San Carlo, Naples, Italy
The magnificent red and gold Teatro San Carlo, built by King Charles of Bourbon in 1737, is the oldest in the world, and before the construction of La Scala, it was also the most prestigious in Italy. Some of Gioachino Rossini's most popular operas premiered on the stage of San Carlo.
1. La Scala, Milan, Italy
Milan's Teatro La Scala is perhaps the most famous opera house in the world. It is he who is associated with classical opera. The theater, built in 1778, is associated with the names of such world-famous composers as Gioachino Rossini, Vincenzo Bellini, Giuseppe Verdi and Gaetano Donizetti. One of the highlights of La Scala is the concave channel under the orchestra's wooden floor, which gives the hall such excellent acoustics.
What attracts art lovers to Europe? Numerous modern exhibitions and performances, unique art galleries And art museums, classical concerts and definitely the best opera houses. They still support it in Europe highest level opera, so today we offer lovers of elite opera a guide to the most significant opera houses of the Old World.
Opera of Europe
What is opera? In short, this is a synthesis classical music, singing and colorful spectacle. In addition, when listening to an opera “live”, the atmosphere of solemnity is important, so to these three components we also add the luxury of the setting.
National Geographic magazine presented the best opera houses in the world, including many European ones. All of them meet the highest possible criteria for the art of opera and, in fact, themselves create opera and the fashion for opera. Many of them have existed for several centuries and for amateurs of this art remain places that must be visited.
La Scala, Milan
- Opened in 1778
- Ticket prices are 35-300 euros
- Capacity 2030 spectators
- What to visit this fall: “Giselle” by Adolphe Adam
"" has long been considered the best opera house in Europe. It was here that opera classics Bellini, Verdi, Puccini, Donizetti, and Rossini first presented their works. Inconspicuous from the outside, this theater reveals its luxury only once you get inside.
The unusual thing about La Scala is that the season begins on December 7 (this is the day of St. Ambrose, the patron saint of Milan) and lasts until November. Attention! A black dress code must be followed when visiting.
"San Carlo", Naples
- Opened in 1737
- Ticket prices are 25-350 euros
- Capacity 3283 spectators
- What to visit this fall: Othello by Giuseppe Verdi
San Carlo is the largest opera house in Europe. In the world, only the New York and Chicago theaters are larger than it. When it was rebuilt after a fire in 1817, the French classic Stendhal said that there was nothing in Europe comparable in luxury to this theater. After another restoration in 2008, the theater did not lose its chic.
Neapolitan opera was super fashionable in the 18th century. At that time, Traetta, Piccinni, Anfossi, Cimarosa ruled the minds. Haydn, Bach, and Gluck came here especially for the premiere of their works.
Covent Garden, London
- Opened in 1732
- Tickets cost 10-200 pounds
- Capacity 2268 spectators
- What to visit this fall: “Norma” by Vincenzo Bellini
Covent Garden is a British royal theater. His first artistic director there was Handel. The building burned down at least 3 times, but it was carefully restored. Now we can see most of the building, built in 1856.
IN early XIX centuries, in addition to opera and ballet, they staged here dramatic works and even played clownery. In 1846, the theater received royal status, which was celebrated with the production of Rossini's Semiramis. Such classics as Malibran, Tamburini, Giulia Grisi performed here. Nowadays, the peculiarity of the theater is that most of the productions are not in the original language, but in English.
Grand Opera, Paris
- Opened in 1669
- Ticket prices are 30-350 euros
- Capacity 1900 spectators
- What to visit this fall: “Tosca” by Giacomo Puccini
"" is considered the most beautiful opera house in the world. Here you will be greeted by an eclectic facade with seven arches, sculptures of Drama, Music, Poetry and Dance and an interior with marble staircases, frescoes by Pilz, paintings by Chagall and Baudry.
The great past of the theater is evidenced by the list of composers who performed their works at the opening after the next restoration in 1975: “The Mute of Portici” by Daniel Aubert, “The Huguenots” by Giacomo Meyerbeer, “William Tell” by Gioachino Rossini, “The Brook” by Leo Delibes. To this day, the Grand Opera remains the most visited theater in the world.
Royal Opera, Versailles
- Opened in 1770
- Ticket prices are 20-200 euros
- Capacity 1200 spectators
- What to visit this fall: Dido and Aeneas by Henry Purcell
The Royal Opera of Versailles is located in a huge luxurious palace and is the largest palace theater in the world. Architectural feature The theater is that it is built entirely of wood, and all the marble surfaces are just marbled paintings.
The premieres of the greatest operatic works took place here, including Gluck's Iphigenia in Tauris. Now this theater is a mandatory part of the cultural program when visiting Paris.
Vienna State Opera House, Vienna
- Opened in 1869
- Ticket prices are 12-240 euros
- Capacity 1313 spectators
- What to visit this fall: “Aida” by Giuseppe Verdi
The Vienna Opera is truly royal in style and scope. At its opening they played Mozart's Don Giovanni. In general, everything here is imbued with the spirit of the great Austrian composer. Even the neo-Renaissance façade is painted with frescoes based on his opera The Magic Flute. And the most famous leader was the famous composer and conductor Gustav Mahler.
Every year in February the famous Viennese Ball takes place here. And in terms of the number of premieres, this theater is a record holder. Every year up to 60 operas are staged here, and the season lasts 285 days.
Teatro Carlo Felice, Genoa
- Opened in 1828
- Ticket prices: 7-180 euros
- Capacity 2000 spectators
- What to visit this fall: “Mary Stuart” by Gaetano Donizetti
Genoese is a symbol of the city, on which no expense or effort has ever been spared. For example, Luigi Canonica, who built La Scala, was invited to build the stage.
The theater is closely associated with the name of Giuseppe Verdi, who spent many seasons in Genoa and presented the premieres of his operas here. And to this day, the repertoire always includes several works by the famous composer.
Gran Teatro Liceu, Barcelona
- Opened in 1847
- Ticket prices are 9-195 euros
- Capacity 2292 spectators
- What to visit this fall: “The Magic Flute” by Wolfgang Mozart
Loving opera, visiting Spain and passing by "" is an unforgivable mistake. The theater is famous not only classical repertoire, but also modern approach to individual productions.
In 1893, anarchists detonated several bombs in the theater, and in our time (in 1994) a large-scale fire occurred in the building. However, the Barcelona Opera survived and the theater was restored according to the original drawings. Its special feature is the spectator seats made of cast iron with red velvet upholstery. The lamps are made of brass in the shape of a dragon with crystal shades.
Estates Theatre, Prague
- Opened in 1783
- Ticket prices: 7-180 euros
- Capacity 1200 spectators
- What to visit this fall: “Don Giovanni” by Wolfgang Mozart
The only theater in Europe that has been preserved almost in its original form. It was in the “Estate Theater” that Mozart first presented to the world his operas “Don Giovanni” and “The Clemency of Titus”. And to this day, the works of the Austrian classic form the basis of the theater’s repertoire.
Among the virtuosos who performed on this stage are Anton Rubinstein, Gustav Mahler, Niccolo Paganini. In addition to opera, ballet and dramatic performances are given here. And Czech director Milos Forman filmed his film “Amadeus” here, which brought many Oscars.
Bavarian State Opera, Munich
- Opened in 1653
- Ticket prices 11-380 euros
- Capacity 2100 spectators
- What to visit this fall: Die Meistersinger of Nuremberg by Richard Wagner
The Bavarian Opera is one of the oldest opera houses in the world. And our compatriot Kirill Petrenko is now working as its chief conductor. All premieres took place here significant works Wagner - “Tristan and Isolde”, “Das Rheingold”, “Walkyrie”. The name of this classic is closely associated with the modern repertoire. Mozart, Strauss, and Orff also loved the theater.
When planning your travels around Europe in the fall, be sure to include a visit to the best opera houses. And in order for your trips to take place without delays in obtaining visas, contact our company. We will help you obtain a European residence permit or citizenship as soon as possible.
Bolshoi Theater in Moscow /tyts/
Mariinsky Theater (St. Petersburg) - one of the oldest and largest musical theaters Russia.
Teatro La Scala is a world famous opera house in Milan (Italy)
Rome Opera House
Opera House San Carlo, Naples, Italy
The Sydney Opera House, built in 1973 by Danish architect Jörn Utzon in the Expressionist style, is considered one of the most famous and easily recognizable buildings in the world. Also, the Sydney Opera House is the most important attraction of the entire continent. The two largest shell vaults form the ceilings of the two main halls: the Concert Hall and the Opera House. In other halls, the ceilings are formed using smaller vaults. The sail-shaped roof shells give the theater its uniqueness. On June 28, 2007, the Sydney Opera House building acquired the status of an object World Heritage UNESCO.
Sydney Opera House
Strasbourg Opera House
Colon is the largest opera and ballet theater (as well as a center of classical music) in all of South America. Buenos - Aires. Argentina
The Vienna State Opera was built in 1869. Unfortunately, in difficult years During the occupation of Austria (1938-45), the theater experienced a serious decline in interest. In 1945, during the bombing of the Austrian capital, the theater building was destroyed. It took about 10 years to completely restore it. In addition to opera and ballet performances, this complex annually hosts theatrical masquerade balls.
Vienna State Opera
The official name is “Opera Garnier” or “Palace Garnier” (Palais Garnier), former names “National Academy of Music and Dance”, “Paris Opera”, “Grand Opera”. “Grand Opera” is a state opera house, the largest center of French musical and theatrical culture.
Odessa Opera House
One of the most prestigious in the world, the Metropolitan Opera House has existed since the 1880s, but it received its current status at the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in Manhattan only in September 1966. Included in this legendary complex includes: large auditorium, designed for 3900 seats, and three auxiliary sites. The most important decorative elements in the theater's interior are the monumental frescoes of the famous emigrant artist Marc Chagall.
Metropolitan Opera in New York
The main auditorium is the largest in the world, and despite its size, is known for its excellent acoustics.
Dresden State Opera ( Dresdner Staatsoper or Semperoper). One of the oldest opera houses in Germany
La Fenice
National Center for the Performing Arts (in Chinese: National Grand Theatre), called "The Egg", is a modern opera house in Beijing, China. Considered one of the modern wonders of the world, it is ellipsoidal in shape, made of glass and titanium and completely surrounded by an artificial lake. Built in 2007. National Center for the Performing Arts in Beijing
Berlin State Opera (German) Staatsoper Berlin), also called the German State Opera (German). Deutsche Staatsoper), or the State Opera Unter den Linden (German). Staatsoper Unter den Linden) - the oldest theater building in Berlin
Romanian Athenaeum (Bucharest)
Zurich Opera House
Hungarian State Opera House
Teatro Massimo in Palermo
The ultra-modern opera house building in the center of Oslo was designed by the world-famous architectural bureau Snohetta in 2007. The main task of the architects was to organically fit the building into the urban development, the rocks of the Oslo Fjord and the coastal area of the seaport, while connecting the historical city center with modern neighborhoods.
The main hall of the theater has a seating capacity of 1,364 and has a classic horseshoe shape, which allows for the highest acoustic characteristics. Main feature The theater now has a sloping roof, smoothly descending to the ground. She was chosen very quickly local residents, especially cyclists and skateboarders.
Oslo Opera House - Norway's national opera house
Royal Swedish Opera,Stockholm
Liceo Opera House, Barcelona
Palau de Musica Catalana,Barcelona,Spain
Theater Royal Covent Garden, London
Czech National Theater in Prague
Lviv Opera House
Opera House of Monte Carlo
Civic Opera House/Lyric Opera- Opera House in Chicago
War Memorial Opera House,San Francisco,California
Opera Bastille (Opéra Bastille) is the largest opera house in France (Paris)
Curtain,Palais Garnier,Paris,France
The Prague State Opera (Czech: Státní opera Praha) is an opera house in Prague, one of the most important in the Czech Republic, whose repertoire also includes ballets. The theater's repertoire is focused on foreign works (the Czech repertoire is traditionally staged at the National Theatre).
Munich Opera House,Germany
Amazon Theater or Amazonas (Teatro Amazonas) is an opera house located in the center of the Brazilian city of Manaus (Brazil)
Opera House (Markgräfliches Opernhaus), Germany
The Estates Theater is also famous for the fact that Amadeus Mozart conducted his premiere of Don Giovanni in 1787. This event is immortalized with a memorial plaque. On the occasion of the coronation of Leopold II, another premiere of Mozart's La Clemenza di Tito (The Clemency of Titus, 1791) was presented in this theater. Prague
Palace of Fine Arts, Mexico
The luxurious Palace of Fine Arts, built in the Mexican capital in 1934, is an example of a mixture architectural styles Beaux-Arts and Art Deco, as evidenced by the walls of Carrara marble and the incredible splendor of the decor. A significant part of this magnificent building is occupied by concert halls opera house. This ensemble also includes a museum of architecture and National Museum fine arts.
Opera houses occupy a special place among all architectural structures. According to established tradition, when constructing opera houses, architects tried not only to create the necessary acoustics, but also to decorate the building in an appropriate way. The rich stucco on the facade, antique statues and columns are as beautiful as the theater corridors, stage and boxes. The world's best opera houses are not only cultural attractions, but also amazing examples of architecture. Here are 10 of the best.
The Bolshoi Theater began its history in 1776, and in 1780 it moved into its first building, which stood for 25 years. Modern building with columns and a bronze quadriga by Peter Klodt was inaugurated in early 1825. The first performance is “The Triumph of the Muses.” Since then, the theater has undergone several large-scale renovations. In 2005, the theater was closed for reconstruction and opened only 6.5 years later. Today it is one of the largest theaters in Russia and one of the most significant in the world!
The wonderful neo-Renaissance palace is one of the most beautiful opera houses in the world. It was created by the Hungarian architect Miklos Ibl, and the building is considered the crown of his work. In front of the theater are statues of Franz Liszt and Ferenc Erkel, and the building itself is richly decorated inside and out with ornaments, paintings and sculptural elements.
IN theater world its name is simply "The Met", despite the fact that it is considered almost the most prestigious and influential opera house in the world. On his stage in different time The world's best performers shone, including Placido Domingo, Luciano Pavarotti, Maria Callas and even Fyodor Chaliapin. The theater began with a small troupe that gathered in 1880. The old building no longer exists, and a new one appeared in 1966. It is famous for its wonderful acoustics and stunning huge curtain, hand-embroidered with sequins and real silk. Broadcasts from this theater are carried out in online mode through the Internet.
It opened in 1908, and the first opera on new stage became Verdi's Aida. There are almost 2.5 thousand seats and a thousand standing places. Before the appearance of the Sydney Opera House, it was the most spacious, and Maestro Pavarotti himself appreciated the ideal acoustics of the hall. The theater was rebuilt and updated several times. The last large-scale reconstruction ended in 2010.
The oldest opera house in Europe was opened in 1737. Theater in different years managed by Gioachino Rossini and Gaetano Donizetti. The building burned, was bombed during the war and survived several large-scale reconstructions. It was on this stage that the young Caruso performed, ridiculed by the public and then vowing never to appear on stage in Naples again. Many famous Italians began their careers here. opera singers, also this scene has seen many premieres.
This opera house opened in 1869 with a production of Mozart's Don Giovanni. The neo-Renaissance opera house building was designed by August Sicard von Sicardsburg and Eduard van der Null. During the bombing of Vienna in World War II, the theater was badly damaged and fell into disrepair. Only in 1955 the building was restored and at the same time the tradition of holding annual balls was restored. Interestingly, the metal band Angizia is quite popular in Austria, all of whose members are current artists of the Vienna State Opera.
It is difficult to imagine an opera house in the heart of the tropical jungle, especially if it is modeled after the best European theaters - with stucco, Italian marble, and velvet-upholstered furniture. This is exactly what the Amazonas Theater looks like. It was opened in 1896 and amazed contemporaries with its unprecedented scope. Only the dome of the building is covered on the outside ceramic tiles matching the color of the national flag, which required 36 thousand tiles. Anna Pavlova danced here and Enrico Caruso sang. During the period when Manaus lost huge income from rubber production, the city experienced decline and the theater was closed. Only 90 years later, in 1990, the doors of the theater opened again.
One of the most famous theaters The USA was founded in 1880. At first it was located on Broadway, but in 1966 year The The Met, as Americans call their opera, moved to Lincoln Center, where it is currently located. The old building, which was heavily damaged by the fire, was demolished. At the Metropolitan they sang like this famous performers like Kirsten Flagstad, Lauritz Melchior, Leonard Warren, Adam Didur, Fyodor Chaliapin, Maria Callas, Luciano Pavarotti and many others. Since 2006, the Metropolitan Opera has been broadcasting its productions in real time on its official website, as well as in cinemas in many countries around the world, including Russia. Don't miss your chance to touch the beauty!
Grand Theatre
This theater is rightfully considered one of the symbols of Moscow. The history of the theater dates back to March 1776, although since then both the building and the concept have undergone many changes. The theater burned down several times and was rebuilt. In 2005, the Bolshoi was closed for large-scale reconstruction, which caused a rather violent and controversial reaction from both theater employees and ordinary Muscovites. One way or another, the Bolshoi Theater remains one of most important places the Russian capital, where, despite the expensive tickets, fans of opera and ballet continue to go. During the existence of the theater, more than 800 works were staged here, and the symbolic image of the theater appeared on hundred-ruble banknotes, stamps and “Entry” chocolate.
Popular
Sydney Opera House
The Sydney Opera House is smaller in size than its Moscow and New York counterparts, but its architecture amazes the imagination of the most sophisticated tourist. This theater was included in the list of the most easily recognizable buildings in the world and was recognized as one of the outstanding buildings modern architecture. By the way, just recently Sydney Opera House also celebrated her birthday: the theater was opened on October 20, 1973 by Queen Elizabeth II. The architect of the opera house is the Danish Jorn Utzon, who received the Pritzker Prize for the project in 2003. Sydney Opera regularly appears in famous films and posters for them. In addition, the theater is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
La Scala
Even if you have never been to Milan, you have probably heard the name La Scala more than once. This opera house was built on the site of the church of Santa Maria della Scala, hence its name. La Scala is very popular among both Italians and tourists, who come to Milan in the thousands every year. Since the 30s of the 19th century, the history of La Scala has been connected with the work of the largest composers in Italy - G. Donizetti, V. Bellini, G. Verdi, G. Puccini, whose works were staged here for the first time.
Grand Opera
The Grand Opera, or Opera Granier, is one of the symbols of Paris. The building amazes with its beauty and sophistication: it is mesmerizing even from the outside, not to mention luxurious interior decoration. By the way, to get here, you don’t have to buy tickets to the performance and wait until the evening. You can also visit during the day: the theater is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day except three holidays: January 1, May 1, December 25, as well as matinee performances.
