From the very beginning human civilization the theater served as the main source of entertainment. Nowadays, theater and opera performances have not lost any of their popularity and significance, and thousands of people around the world visit theaters every day and enjoy this wonderful art form.
The building of any theater is a unique world with its own history, traditions and secrets. Let's talk about those that are known throughout the world.
Teatro La Scala is rightfully the most famous theater in the world. And most of all it is associated with opera, although dramatic performances and ballet also occupy a significant place in the repertoire.
La Scala, photo Rudiger Wolk
It was built in 1778. The horseshoe-shaped hall has five tiers of boxes. Works by the most famous composers Bellini, Rossini, Donizetti, and Verdi were performed on the stage of La Scala. The theater is famous for its impeccable acoustics.
Many people associate Australia with the building of the Opera House in Sydney. It is easily recognizable and is one of the main attractions of the country. This is perhaps one of the most iconic theaters of our time.
Sydney Opera House, photo Shannon Hobbs
The opening took place in 1973. During construction, the main emphasis was on acoustics and visibility. That is why every theater viewer feels as if he has purchased a ticket to the best place in the hall.
The theater building became home to the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Sydney Theater Company, Australian Ballet and Australian Opera. More than 1,500 performances take place here annually.
3. Bolshoi Theater
Grand Theatre in Moscow - one of the leading theaters in Russia and around the world. Together with the best symphony orchestra he survived fire, war and revolution.
Bolshoi Theater in Moscow, photo jimmyweee
At the entrance, visitors are greeted by a statue of Apollo in a chariot, anticipating the grandiose performances taking place in the theater. The theater's ballet troupe is very famous. Yuri Grigorovich staged the legendary " Swan Lake" and "Golden Age". The big one was opened after large-scale reconstruction in 2011.
4. Vienna State Opera
Built in 1869, the theater for a long time had a reputation as the center of musical life in Vienna and throughout Austria.
Viennese state opera, photo by JP
During World War II, the building was bombed and almost destroyed. The staircase and some other parts were miraculously preserved. It was restored only in 1955. Today it continues to be one of the world's main opera venues. Traditional balls are held annually under the vaults of the Vienna Opera.
The Palace of Catalan Music is located in. The building was officially opened in 1908 and almost immediately became a symbol of the city. The magnificent glass ceiling, rich paintings, stained glass windows and sculptures turned it into a real work of art. This is one of the few theaters included in the list cultural heritage UNESCO.
Palau de la Musica Catalana, photo Jiuguang Wang
The palace is one of the main theater and music venues in Barcelona, where many world celebrities perform. Important international meetings and conferences are also held here, and excursions are organized for tourists.
Theater Les Celestins is the main art center of the city of Lyon in France. This is an opera house that is suitable for grand performances and can accommodate over 1000 people. The horseshoe-shaped hall is divided into several levels, so even spectators sitting far from the stage can see and hear everything clearly. The interior is designed in a royal style using red and gold tones. The outside of the building is more austere and decorated with statues.
Les Celestins in Lyon, photo Mirej
For more than two centuries, the best plays, operas, dramatic performances and concerts have been staged on the Les Celestins stage.
Covent Garden Theater is well known throughout the world. Performances take place on its stage Royal Opera and the Royal Ballet. World stars have performed in this majestic building. classical music, starting in 1858.
Royal Opera House Convent Garden, photo
Previously, it was possible to enter the theater only before the start of the performance if you had a ticket. Today you can explore it by taking a short excursion.
Another famous world stage is the Metropolitan Opera musical theater on Broadway in New York. This is the best theater. Celebrities such as Enrico Caruso and Placido Domingo played leading roles here.
The Metropolitan Opera House, photo Blehgoaway
The Met puts on more than two hundred performances each year. From time to time they are broadcast on television and radio.
9. Odeon of Herodes Atticus
If you want to visit a theater that is as old as art itself, head to the Odeon of Herodes Atticus in . This is a classic ancient amphitheater built in 161 AD. e. There was originally a roof over it, but it was destroyed.
Odeon of Herodes Atticus in Athens, photo Yucatan
The theater seats 5,000 people and still hosts plays, ballets and other events on its stage. Even Elton John gave his concert at the Odeon.
10. Chicago Theater
The Chicago Theater was built in 1921 during what is known as the "Golden Age of Entertainment" and was the first luxury theater of its kind to house movies, musicals and shows. Gradually he became business card Chicago. Today, Chicago theater is a mixture of different genres and styles, from plays and comedies to dance shows and pop concerts.
The Chicago Theatre, photo by Leandro Neumann Ciuffo
There are still a huge number of theaters in the world, each of which is worthy of attention. During your travels through cities and countries, be sure to visit theaters, and it doesn’t matter whether they are famous throughout the world or known only in a small town. In any case, you will get a unique opportunity to touch the wonderful world of theatrical art.
What attracts art lovers to Europe? Numerous modern exhibitions and performances, unique art galleries And art museums, classical concerts and, of course, the best opera houses. Europe still maintains the highest level of opera, so today we offer lovers of elite opera a guide to the most important opera houses of the Old World.
Opera of Europe
What is opera? To put it very briefly, it is a synthesis of 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.
At the beginning of the 19th century, in addition to opera and ballet, they staged dramatic works and even played clowning. 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. Now 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 façade 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.
12 of the world's most beautiful and majestic opera houses. Opera houses have always been considered a symbol of wealth, enlightenment and greatness. A place where art, luxury, power, intrigue and secrets lived, and that is why the rulers of all European states tried to outdo each other in the monumentality of buildings and the pomp of interiors. At the moment, the importance of opera productions has not lost its popularity, but in most cases, opera and ballet theaters are perceived more as a kind of attraction than a platform for leisure activities. La Scala
Milan, Italy
In the history of opera, there is no other opera house as revered, as often copied, as often cited as a standard of comparison, as La Scala. But La Scala is not only a nice place for opera productions, it is the very symbol of opera - Italian opera.
The theater building was built in 1776-1778 on the site of the Church of Santa Maria della Scala, from where the theater got its name “La Scala” - the opera house in Milan. It is curious that during the excavation of the site for the construction of the theater, a large marble block was found, on which Pylades, the famous mime, was depicted Ancient Rome. This was taken as a good sign.
The theater building, built by the architect G. Piermarini, is considered one of the most beautiful buildings in the world. It is designed in a strict neoclassical style and has impeccable acoustics. During the Second World War, the theater was destroyed and restored to its original form by engineer L. Secchi, which was reopened in 1946. “Scala” (as the Italians call the theater) opened in August 1778 with two operas, including A. Salieri’s opera “Recognized Europe”, specially written for this occasion. Oprah de Monte Carlo
Monte Carlo, Monaco
The Monte Carlo Opera House stands on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, connected to the casino by a red marble foyer. The construction of the building took only six months, and the result was an extremely elaborate façade in the style of the Second Empire with unusually richly decorated towers and sculptures by Gustav Doré and Sarah Bernhardt. By the way, the author of the architectural design of the opera house, Charles Garnier, had recently completed the construction of the Grand Opera building in Paris.
Teatro di San Carlo
Naples, Italy
San Carlo (Teatro San Carlo) - the opera house in Naples was opened in 1737. In 1816 it was restored again after a fire. Theater building designed by architects Giovanni Antonio Medrano (Giovanni Antonio Medrano) and Angelo Carasale (Angelo Carasale) for the Bourbon monarch Carlos III of Naples.
The theater experienced its greatest development in 1809-40, when its director was the famous impresario Barbaya. The new theater was admired not only for the works of art that were staged in the theater, but also for its architecture, golden decoration, and luxurious blue upholstery (blue and gold are the official colors of the Bourbons). The theater stage hosted world premieres of a number of operas by Rossini Donizetti and Giuseppe Verdi. Mariinskii Opera House
Saint-Petersburg, Russia
The Mariinsky Theater is a symbol of Russian culture. His troupe dates back to 1783, when the Bolshoi Theater was opened in St. Petersburg, on the site of which the St. Petersburg Conservatory is now located. By order of Catherine the Great, the Bolshoi (Stone) Theater was erected on the site of this building, surpassing the largest theaters in Europe in splendor and splendor. It opened in 1783 with a performance of Paisiello's opera On the Moon.
In 1802, the theater was rebuilt by the architect Thomas de Thomon, and in 1836 it was reconstructed by Albert Kavos. The magnificent decorative decoration of the auditorium has largely been preserved to this day. The dazzling whiteness of the sculptures, the soft shine of gilding, the blue tone of the upholstery and draperies - this is the festive coloristic sound of the hall. The bright picturesque ceiling was made by E. Fracioli based on the sketches of Professor C. Dusi. A huge, three-tiered bronze chandelier with crystal pendants and candelabra were made with donations from the merchant K. Pleske, who was awarded a gold medal “in recognition of such a special artistic merit.” Palais Garnier
Paris, France
Over the two hundred years of its existence, the Paris Opera has changed thirteen different halls. And none of them corresponded to the role that opera played in high French society. In 1852, Napoleon III came to power. In the same year, he decided to begin a radical renovation of the capital.
The work was entrusted to a man who was by no means a Parisian in spirit, who thought only about the economic development of the city and did not feel any nostalgia for old Paris. The competition to create an opera house attracted 171 projects. All the masters of architecture presented their works, including Viollet-Le-Duc himself. However, the winner was a little-known young man, Charles Garnier, whose only record was the 1848 Rome Grand Prix.
In decorating the interior of the theater, Garnier used many elements of the Rococo style. Despite all the absurdity and variety of techniques, which are often at odds with each other, the building as a whole produces a harmonious and monumental impression. Apparently that is why in 1923 it was ranked among the architectural monuments protected by the state. Bavarian State Opera
Munich, Germany
The Bavarian State Opera (Bayerische Staatsoper) is one of the leading opera stages in Germany. Located in Munich (2,100 places). Founded in 1818. In 1963 it was opened after restoration with the performance “Woman Without a Shadow” by R. Strauss. The prototype of this building was the Odeon theater in Paris.
The building of the Bavarian Opera was built on the site of a former Franciscan monastery. In 1818, the theater opened its doors to visitors, but five years later it burned to the ground. Residents of the city believed that this was a punishment from above. But already in 1825 Bavarian Opera reopened, and shows continue to this day. Mikhailovsky Theater
Saint-Petersburg, Russia
Brilliant story The Mikhailovsky Theater began with the choice of the building's architect. A subtle connoisseur of art, Alexander Bryullov is building the building of the first city musical theater, fitting it into the already established ensemble of the Square of Arts, and therefore the facades of the theater are made according to the designs of Carl Rossi to “rhyme” with the building Mikhailovsky Palace.
Bryullov created a magic box: the fact that a theater is hidden behind the modest façade can only be guessed by the roof, where behind the dome above auditorium a tall stage box is visible. All the glitter imperial theater enclosed inside: silver and velvet, mirrors and crystal, painting and modeling.
The theater hosts ballet master classes from leading teachers in Europe and America. At the invitation of Farukh Ruzimatov, Natalya Makarova, Jennifer Gube, Gilbert Mayer, Cyril Atanasoff, Mikhail Messerer worked with the ballet troupe of the Mikhailovsky Theater. Among other things, the Mikhailovsky Theater participates in the Arts Square festival and is one of the cultural platforms of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. Teatro Amazonas
Manus, Brazil
The Amazon Opera House is the second largest theater in the Brazilian state of Amazonas, in the city of Manaus. Designed in 1881, opened in 1896, at the height of the so-called rubber rush in Brazil, becoming one of the symbols of luxurious and serene life during the Belle Epoque of Western civilization. He amazed his contemporaries with his pomp. After the end of the rubber boom, it fell into disrepair, but was restored again in the early 1990s. Capacity 701 people. There are stalls, mezzanine and amphitheater.
Romanian Athenaeum
Bucharest, Romania
Romanian Athenaeum - concert hall, built in neoclassical style and opened in 1888. In front of the building there is a small park with a statue of the Romanian poet Mihai Eminescu. The building's interior dome is painted with frescoes depicting key moments in Romanian history. Recognized as a symbol of Romanian culture, the Athenaeum was included in the list of European Cultural Heritage in 2007.
Metropolitan Opera House
New York, USA
One of the largest theaters in the world, the Metropolitan Opera, opened on October 22, 1883 with a performance of Charles Gounod's opera Faust. In the early years, the theater gave preference to Wagner's operas, and the German theater troupe was led by conductor Leopold Damrosch. The old Metropolitan Opera building hosted the premieres of works by Giacomo Puccini: "The Girl from the West" in December 1910 and, in December 1918, the triptych "The Cloak", "Sister Angelica" and "Gianni Schicchi". In October 1958, the premiere of the opera Vanessa by Samuel Barbara took place, which was awarded Pulitzer Prize for outstanding musical composition.
Since the beginning of the 20th century, the Metropolitan Opera has been considered, along with the Vienna Opera House and La Scala Theater in Milan, the leading opera stage in the world.
It is often called "Meth" for short. The theater is open seven months a year: from September to April. Performances are performed daily. From May to June the theater goes on tour. In addition, in July the theater gives free performances in New York parks, attracting huge crowds. Oslo Opera House
Oslo, Norway
The New Opera House is the largest cultural institution in modern Norway. In addition, the opera building is the first example in world architectural practice when, during intermission, visitors can freely walk along the roof of the theater, which has a smooth slope towards the sea. The white, iceberg-like opera building rises straight out of the Oslofjord. The sloping roof, finished with slabs of white Carara marble, slopes down to the water and can also be used as a recreation area.
The building was designed by the Norwegian architectural bureau Snoehetta, which had previously designed a library in Alexandria. The main stage of the opera is designed for 1,365 spectators, two small stages - for 640. The orchestra pit of the main stage is located below the water level. Drottningholm Palace Theater
Stockholm, Sweden
King Charles XVI Gustav and his family have lived in Drottningholm Palace since 1981, occupying some parts of it. This palace began to be built in 1662 for Queen Dovager Hedvig Eleonora according to the design of the architect Nicodemus Teccin the Elder in the Baroque style, typical of that time.
The palace is located on the island of Lowen, not far from the city center. Behind the palace is the court theater, one of the oldest operating theaters in the world. It was founded in 1766 by Queen Lovisa Ulrika and built by the architect K.F. Adelkrantz. Ballet troupe The theater revives productions from the 18th century. The palace is surrounded by a luxurious park with a regular French part, decorated with gazebos and labyrinths, and a landscaped English part with picturesque lawns and ponds. In 1991, Drottningholm Palace, with its park, theater and Chinese pavilion, was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Despite the fact that cinema has existed for a long time, theaters are popular both in old times.
And can a picture compare with an actor’s performance “live”, when the feeling of the spirit of the performance literally hovers in the hall?
Ballet, opera, comedy, musical, any production can stir up all the senses.
So today we will talk about theaters, and although this rating is called the top of the best theaters, there are no best or worst here and the division is arbitrary.
Each theater is unique and inimitable, with its atmosphere, actors, history.
So if you don’t see any of the famous theaters here, don’t rush to conclusions, it’s impossible to talk about them all, and the division, as mentioned above, is arbitrary.
La Scala
1. Let's start with Italy, because it can be called one of the cradles of theater, because here, along with Greece and France, many theatrical traditions were born. There were theaters here during Roman times and the Renaissance, so this country's contribution to performing arts undeniable. The best theater Italy is deservedly considered “La Scala” in Milan.
It was built in 1776-1778, and owes its name to the church “Santa Maria della Scala,” which was located on this site before the theater.
There is a legend that when laying the foundation, an antique block with an image of the mime Pylades was found, as if the ancient gods were blessing the future theater. The theater hall seats up to 2,800 people. By the way, it is customary to come here dressed in black.
At different times, the work of Bellini, Verdi and Puccini was very popular here. La Scala also hosted balls and even once hosted a bullfight.
Grand Opera
2. In France, the Grand Opera Theater is considered the most famous, although its official name is the National Academy of Music and Dance. Founded in 1669 by the poet Perrin and composer Cambert with the signature of Louis XIV. This theater survived centuries, the French Revolution, changed many names, but remained one of the best.
The building in which it is located today was built by the architect C. Garnier in 1875. The hall seats 2,130 people. It is difficult to list the performances staged on the Grand Opera stage over three and a half centuries.
Initially these were works by French composers, then Italian and German. In the twentieth century, the premiere of Stravinsky’s opera “The Moor” took place here.
Vienna Opera
3. “Vienna Opera” also cannot be ignored. Austria has always been proud of its composers, which is why Mozart's operas are so popular here. The premiere of the entire Wagner cycle “The Ring of the Nibelungs” also took place here.
Built “ Vienna Opera"1869, interior decoration amazes with its luxury and majesty.
At the end of the 19th century this place was the center cultural life Europe. Traditionally, the world-famous “Opera Ball” is held here every year, attracting people from all over the world.
Covent Garden
4. The most famous theater in England - London's Covent Garden. It was founded in 1732. It has been preserved in the form in which it appears now since the last restoration in 1856. It is distinguished by a high level of acting and corresponding fees.
In the 19th century they sang here best performers of that time, such as Malibran, Tamburini, Giulia Grisi.
The building itself is shrouded in mystery and legends about ghosts, so fitting “ Foggy Albion" Designed for 2,250 seats.
Metropolitan Opera
5. New York's Metropolitan Opera is the most famous theater in the USA and at the same time the most modern of all those listed here.
It was founded in 1883 and is distinguished by the absence of such luxurious decoration as in other theaters. But many are used here modern technologies, such as a ticker in the back of a chair.
Initially, the Metropolitan Opera liked to stage Wagner. Just like in England, operas are staged here in the original language. Performers' fees here are more modest than in other places, but singing on this stage is still very prestigious.
The hall is large and seats 3,625 people. Interestingly, the theater is not state-owned and is maintained by funds from private individuals and donations from companies.
6. In Russia, the Bolshoi Theater can be placed on a par with the above-mentioned theaters. It was founded in 1776, the building where it is now located appeared in 1825.
The premieres of Tchaikovsky’s operas – “Mazeppa”, “The Voevoda”, “Cherevichki” and Rachmaninov – “ Stingy Knight”, “Aleko” and “Francesca da Rimini”, and Rachmaninov acted as conductor.
Visiting troupes from La Scala and the Vienna Opera also perform on the stage of the Bolshoi Theater. Designed for 2,155 seats.
7. “Sydney Opera House” is a masterpiece more architectural than theatrical.
This place has become a symbol of Australia, both performances and various shows take place here, there is no usual theatrical design, and the repertoire is not classical. But maybe this is the creators’ idea of the theater of the future, since the Sydney Opera House was built only 37 years ago. By the way, Queen Elizabeth herself opened it.
8. Another non-classical theater is “Broadway”.
It's not a building, it's tradition. Once upon a time, “Broadway Theater” meant that it was one of the small theaters located on the corresponding street in New York, today this concept has a completely different meaning.
I invite actors to Broadway for one or several seasons; there is no permanent company, and the play runs as long as the public is interested in it. This is why many are drawn here, because of the diversity. The traditions of the “Broadway Theater” developed about a century ago.
Arena di Verona
9. “Arena di Verona”, this theater has no analogues in the whole world, because it was built during the time of Emperor Augustus in the first century AD. This is an oval Roman amphitheater, and what is most interesting is that it is functioning.
Arena di Verona. Photo – Ennevi Performances have been staged on this stage for three hundred years, and in Roman times gladiators died here and tournaments were held.
Since 1913, every summer it has hosted opera festival. They stage mainly spectacular productions, such as “Aida”, which opened the first of these festivals, “Turandot”, “Carmen”. Arena di Verona can accommodate up to 16,000 spectators at the same time, which is beyond the capabilities of any classical theater hall.
10. The largest theater South America is the Teatro Colon. It was founded in 1857.
Located in the city of Buenos Aires and can accommodate up to 2,478 people at a time. At the time of construction, the first theater building was the most advanced among opera houses, using gas lighting and special effects devices.
The modern building opened in 1908, in addition to seating for 500-1000 standing people. Russian plays are often staged here, such as “Boris Godunov”, “Sadko”, “Eugene Onegin”.
Take out your best evening dresses and tuxedos from your closets. Autumn is the time for theater premieres! Opera houses all over the world invite you to their luxurious halls: the most famous, the largest and the most beautiful. Whether these merits are combined in any one temple of art or whether each one distinguished itself in something individually was investigated.
All the relevant canons of style, which are adhered to when building theaters of this kind, were bypassed by the Opera House in Sydney. This is what he became famous for. Moreover, it has become a kind of calling card of Australia, showing off on postcards, magnets and guidebooks (the kangaroo and the Tasmanian devil are no longer in trend). Situated on the harbor at Bennelong Point and surrounded on all sides by water, the Sydney Opera House embodies the triumph of human thought in architecture. It also boasts the largest organ and the largest curtain. Since 2007, the theater has been under UNESCO protection. In the list of the largest opera houses in the world, Sydney ranks 15th with a capacity of 1,550 people.
The personification of luxury and grandeur is the Milanese opera house La Scala. Only the best have appeared on its stage: directors and composers, singers and actors. He is the number one point in every excursion in Milan, and that says a lot. The most famous operas of all times, and it was on this stage that such names as Arturo Toscanini, Riccardo Muti, Gavazzeni Gianandrea first sounded. The most beautiful building You can't call it La Scala. External decoration was not given any importance during construction. But in terms of the level of productions and the atmosphere in general, the La Scala opera house has no equal. In terms of the number of seats in auditoriums, it is 5th on the list - 2800.
The ranking of the best opera houses in the world is not complete without the Paris Opera, also known as the Opéra Garnier, or the Grand Opera. This center of French theatrical culture is considered the standard of eclectic architecture. The interior is no less luxurious than the facade: the large staircase is decorated with white marble, the vault is decorated with frescoes by Isidore Pilz, and the ceiling in the hall is painted by Marc Chagall. The Grand Opera is called one of the most beautiful opera houses in the world, but not the largest (1900 seats).
The times of aristocracy and art for the elite have sunk into oblivion. But the Vienna Opera returns to the old days, sophisticated, sublime and in many ways unsurpassed. The repertoire definitely includes over 60 operas and ballets over 285 days a season. The Vienna State Opera is listed in all existing ratings of similar institutions as one of the most beautiful, most visited and most expensive. Eat available tickets for performances of category B, and for premieres and special events, the cost of tickets is off the charts. Unfortunately, no one will be able to see the original opera building, built in 1869. It was razed to the ground during World War II. But the rebuilt “version” is very beautiful, especially in the evening.
It is gratifying to see the Bolshoi Theater in Moscow among the famous opera houses in the world. And you don’t need to go anywhere to experience true aesthetic pleasure. Just think, this temple of art is almost 250 years old! The best appear on its stage opera singers and dancers, and not only domestic ones. Not long ago, the Bolshoi underwent a grandiose reconstruction involving colossal funds. Consider the scale: 4.5 kg of gold went into gilding the papier-mâché stucco. However, global recognition theater, received without this thanks to its wide repertoire and high level of skill. The Bolshoi Theater is also one of the largest. Number of places in auditorium- 2155.The most “capacious” opera house is the Metropolitan Opera in New York. The auditorium has 3,800 seats. For the last 40 years, the Met has been located in the Lincoln Center building, decorated with frescoes by Marc Chagall. A Swarovski chandelier hangs in front of the main staircase leading to the huge hall. They are also proud of the world's largest curtain, embroidered with gold and weighing several hundred kilos.
Among the most beautiful is the Teatro la Fenice in Venice. It is also one of the oldest in Europe. The name already reflects its fate. Like a phoenix, he repeatedly “spread his wings” after the fires, but still retained his “face”: modest on the outside and luxurious on the inside. It was here that the opera La bohème by Ruggero Leoncavallo was first staged in 1897. Interestingly, this theater does not start with a coat rack - there is no wardrobe for the public. La Monnaie, San Carlo, Covent Garden, Athenaeum... There are still so many opera houses in the world that deserve special mention. And he will do it with pleasure.
