The best opera house in the world. The most famous opera houses in the world

One of the most famous theaters in the USA was founded in 1880. At first it was located on Broadway, but in 1966 The Met, as the Americans call their opera, moved to Lincoln Center, where it is currently located. The old building, badly damaged by the fire, was demolished. In the Metropolitan they sang such 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 of the world, including Russia. Don't miss your chance to touch the beauty!

big theater

This theater is rightfully considered one of the symbols of Moscow. It is customary to start the history of the theater from March 1776, although both the building and the concept have undergone many changes since then. The theater burned down and was rebuilt several times. In 2005, the Bolshoi was closed for a large-scale reconstruction, which caused a rather stormy and ambiguous reaction from both the theater staff and ordinary Muscovites. One way or another, the Bolshoi Theater remains one of the important places the Russian capital, where, despite 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 chocolate "Entrance".

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Sydney Opera House

The Sydney Opera House is inferior in size to its Moscow and New York counterparts, but its architecture strikes 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, quite recently the Sydney Opera House also celebrated its birthday: the theater was opened on October 20, 1973 by Queen Elizabeth II. The architect of the opera house is the Dane Jorn Utzon, who won the Pritzker Prize in 2003 for the project. The Sydney Opera House regularly appears in famous films and posters for them. In addition, the theater is a monument world heritage UNESCO.

La Scala

Even if you have never been to Milan, you must have 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 by the thousands every year. Since the 30s of the 19th century, the history of La Scala has been associated with creativity major composers Italy - G. Donizetti, V. Bellini, G. Verdi, G. Puccini, whose works were staged here for the first time.

grand opera

Grand Opera, or Opera Granier is one of the symbols of Paris. The building impresses with its beauty and sophistication: it fascinates even from the outside, not to mention the luxurious interior decoration. By the way, to get here, it is not necessary to buy tickets for the performance and wait for the evening. You can also visit during the day: the theater is open for visiting from 10 am to 5 pm every day, except for three public holidays: January 1, May 1, December 25, as well as morning performances.

From the very beginning of human civilization, the theater has served as the main source of entertainment. Today, theater and opera performances have not lost their popularity and significance, and thousands of people around the world visit theaters every day and enjoy this beautiful art form.

The building of any theater is a unique world with its own history, traditions and secrets. Let's talk about those of them that are known to the whole world.

Teatro alla Scala is rightfully the most famous theater peace. And most of all he is associated with opera, although significant place in the repertoire also occupy dramatic performances and ballet.

La Scala, photo by Rudiger Wolk

It was built in 1778. The horseshoe-shaped hall has five tiers of boxes. Works performed on the stage of La Scala famous composers Bellini, Rossini, Donizetti, Verdi. The theater is famous for its impeccable acoustics.

For many people, Australia is associated 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 by Shannon Hobbs

The opening took place in 1973. During construction, the main emphasis was placed on acoustics and visibility. That is why every theater spectator feels as if he has bought a ticket for the best place in the room.

The theater building is home to the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, the Sydney Theater Company, the Australian Ballet and the Australian Opera. More than 1500 performances take place here every year.

3. Bolshoi Theater

The Bolshoi Theater in Moscow is one of the leading theaters in Russia and around the world. Together with the best symphony orchestra, he survived the fire, war and revolution.

Bolshoi Theater in Moscow, photo by jimmyweee

At the entrance, visitors are greeted by a statue of Apollo in a chariot, anticipating the grandiose performances taking place in the theater. Has great fame ballet troupe theater. Yuri Grigorovich staged here 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 has long had a reputation as a center musical life Vienna and all of Austria.

Vienna state opera, photo JP

During World War II, the building was bombed and almost destroyed. The staircase and some other parts have been miraculously preserved. It was restored only in 1955. Today it continues to be one of the world's major opera venues. Under the vaults Vienna Opera traditional balls are held annually.

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 murals, 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 by Jiuguang Wang

The palace is one of the main theatrical and musical 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 center of art in the city of Lyon in France. This is an opera house that is suitable for grandiose performances and can accommodate more than 1000 people. The hall in the form of a horseshoe is divided into several levels, so even the spectators sitting far from the stage can see and hear everything well. The interior is designed in royal style with red and gold tones. Outside, the building is more austere, decorated with statues.

Les Celestins in Lyon, photo by Mirej

For more than two centuries, Les Celestins have been performing on the stage best plays, operas, drama performances and concerts.

The Covent Garden Theater is well known all over the world. It hosts performances by the Royal Opera and Royal Ballet. Stars of the world have performed in this majestic building. classical music since 1858.

Royal Opera House Convent Garden, photo

Previously, one could enter the theater only before the start of the performance with a ticket. Today you can see it by taking a short tour.

Another famous world stage is Musical Theatre Metropolitan Opera on Broadway in New York. it best theater. Celebrities such as Enrico Caruso and Placido Domingo played their leading roles here.

The Metropolitan Opera House, photo by Blehgoaway

The Met puts on over 200 performances each year. From time to time they are broadcast on television and radio.

9. Odeon of Herodes Atticus

If you want to visit the theater, which is as old as the art itself, go to the Odeon of Herodes Atticus in. This is a classic ancient amphitheater, built in 161 AD. e. Initially, there was a roof over it, but it was destroyed.

Odeon of Herodes Atticus in Athens, photo Yucatan

The theater has a capacity of 5,000 people and still hosts performances, ballet 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 in the so-called "golden age of entertainment" and was the first of its kind luxury theater for showing movies, musicals and various shows. Gradually he became calling card Chicago. Today Chicago theater is a mixture of different genres and styles, from performances and comedies to dance shows and pop concerts.

The Chicago Theatre, photo by Leandro Neumann Ciuffo

There are more in the world great amount theaters, each of which is worthy of attention. During your travels around cities and countries, be sure to visit theaters, and it does not matter if they are famous all over the world, or are known only in a small town. In any case, you will receive unique opportunity touch beautiful world theatrical art.

What attracts art lovers in Europe? Numerous modern exhibitions and performances, unique art galleries and art museums, classical concerts and definitely the best opera houses. Europe still supports the highest level operas, so today we offer elite opera lovers a guide to the most important opera houses in the Old World.

Opera of Europe

What is opera? In short, it is a synthesis of classical music, singing and colorful spectacle. In addition, when listening to the opera “live”, the atmosphere of solemnity is important, so we add the luxury of the situation to these three components.

National Geographic magazine presented the best opera houses in the world, many of which are European. All of them meet the highest criteria for opera art and, in fact, they themselves create opera and the fashion for opera. Many of them have existed for several centuries and for lovers this art are places that must be visited.

La Scala, Milan

• Opened in 1778
• Ticket price 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 the classics were presented for the first time. operatic art Bellini, Verdi, Puccini, Donizetti, Rossini. Inconspicuous from the outside, this theater reveals its luxury only after you get inside.

The peculiarity of La Scala is that the season begins on December 7 (this is the day of St. Ambrose, patron of Milan) and lasts until November. Attention! A black dress code is required when visiting.

San Carlo, Naples

• Opened in 1737
• Ticket price 25-350 euros
• Capacity 3283 spectators
• What to visit this fall: Otello by Giuseppe Verdi

San Carlo is the largest opera house in Europe. In the world, only New York and Chicago theaters are bigger than him. When in 1817 it was rebuilt after a fire, french classic Stendhal stated that there is nothing comparable in luxury to this theater in Europe. After another restoration in 2008, the theater has not lost its chic.

The Neapolitan opera was trendy in the 18th century. At that time, Traetta, Piccinni, Anfossi, Cimarosa ruled the minds. Haydn, Bach, Gluck came here specially for the premiere of their works.

Covent Garden, London

• Opened in 1732
• Ticket price 10-200 pounds
• Capacity 2268 spectators
• What to visit this fall: "Norma" by Vincenzo Bellini

Covent Garden is the British Royal Theatre. His first artistic director was Handel. The building burned down at least 3 times, but it was carefully restored. Now we see most of the building built in 1856.

AT early XIX centuries here, in addition to opera and ballet, staged dramatic works and even played clowning. In 1846, the theater received the status of a royal theater, which was marked by the production of Rossini's Semiramide. 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 price 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, Pils frescoes, 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 another restoration in 1975: Daniel Auber's The Dumb from Portici, Giacomo Meyerbeer's Les Huguenots, Gioachino Rossini's William Tell, Leo Delibes' The Stream. Until now, the Grand Opera remains the most visited theater in the world.

Royal Opera, Versailles

• Opened in 1770
• Ticket price 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. The architectural feature of 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, among them Iphigenia in Tauris by Gluck. Now this theater is an obligatory part of the cultural program when visiting Paris.

Vienna State Opera House, Vienna

• Opened in 1869
• Ticket price 12-240 euros
• Capacity 1313 spectators
• What to visit this fall: "Aida" by Giuseppe Verdi

The Vienna Opera is a truly royal style and scale. Mozart's Don Giovanni was played at its opening. In general, everything here is imbued with the spirit of the great Austrian composer. Even the neo-Renaissance façade is frescoed after 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 the world record holder. Up to 60 operas are staged here every year, and the season lasts 285 days.

Teatro Carlo Felice, Genoa

• Opened in 1828
• Ticket price 7-180 euros
• Capacity 2000 spectators
• What to visit this fall: "Mary Stuart" by Gaetano Donizetti

Genoese is a symbol of the city, which never spared money and effort. 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, presented the premieres of his operas here. And until now, there are always several works by the famous composer in the repertoire.

Gran Teatro Liceu, Barcelona

• Opened in 1847
• Ticket price 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 known not only for its classical repertoire, but also for modern approach to individual performances.

In 1893, anarchists blew up several bombs in the theater, and in our time (in 1994) a large-scale fire broke out in the building. Nevertheless, the Barcelona Opera survived, the theater was restored according to the original drawings. Its special feature is cast iron seating 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 price 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 Estates Theater that Mozart first presented to the world his operas Don Giovanni and The Mercy of Titus. Until now, the works of the Austrian classic form the basis of the theatre's repertoire.

Among the virtuosos who performed on this stage are Anton Rubinstein, Gustav Mahler, Niccolo Paganini. In addition to opera, they give ballet and dramatic performances. And the Czech director Milos Forman filmed his film Amadeus here, which brought many Oscars.

Bavarian State Opera, Munich

• Opened in 1653
• Ticket price 11-380 euros
• Capacity 2100 spectators
• What to visit this fall: The Nuremberg Die Meistersingers 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 were held here significant works Wagner - "Tristan and Isolde", "Gold of the Rhine", "Valkyrie". The modern repertoire is closely connected with the name of this classic. Mozart, Strauss, Orff also loved the theater.

When planning your trip to Europe in the fall, be sure to include visits to the best opera houses in it. And in order for your trips to pass without delay with the issuance of visas, please contact our company. We will help you to obtain a European residence permit or citizenship as soon as possible.

The holidays are approaching, and everyone is looking for a vacation to their liking. You can relax not just with your body, but with your soul, join the world culture and enjoy the best theatrical performances by visiting the most famous theaters peace.

1. Theater of Dionysus

Ancient ruins in Athens are the cradle of the Western theater tradition. Much of what we recognize today as true theater has its origins in ancient Greek theater. Most of the architectural elements used in modern theater buildings, originated precisely from this original structure.

The stage on which the ancient Greek actors performed is still impressive. A grassy green meadow is also preserved, where the actors rested when they had time before their stage.

Although this building has been changed and rebuilt more than once, it has retained the memory of many theatrical generations. Just think, the tragedies of Eurydipus and the comedies of Aristophanes were staged in this theater!

It is difficult to imagine a place that would carry the same ancient history. The spirit is breathtaking from the thought of how it was at a time when the emperors themselves were present at the performances.

Even if the theater is now in a dilapidated state, its grandeur and beauty still impresses every tourist who had the good fortune to set foot on the ancient ruins. And the opportunity to wander freely and touch every part of the Theater of Dionysus will definitely make the tour unforgettable!

2 . Shakespeare's Globe Theater

If the Theater of Dionysus is the same as Bethlehem for Christianity, then Shakespeare's Globe Theater is like the Vatican for an actor. William Shakespeare is unquestionably the greatest playwright in the world. And, even if it did not actually exist (and there are many such versions, and every year there are more of them), its influence on the world of theater is so extensive that not one list of famous theaters can do without mentioning the Globe.

Unlike Dionysus, Shakespeare's Globe is not just a breath of history. Although the original theater building remains only excavated fragments, new theater The Globe was built in London on the South Bank of the Thames. It is only 300 meters from the old building, and copies its original appearance as accurately as possible. Such maximum similarity does not prevent the Globus from being equipped in accordance with all the rules contemporary theater. Every connoisseur of the theater should at least once get into Shakespeare's "Globe".

By visiting this great theater, you can enjoy not only faithfully recreated architecture of the 16th century, participate in various activities (writing your own sonnet, sword fighting and much more), but also see some of the best theatrical productions in the world.

3. Sydney Opera House

The theater, located on a remote mainland, absolutely not in line with the recognized canons of theaters of this kind, should have had a hard time. But the Sydney Opera House is something fundamentally different. His unique design and location make it one of Australia's iconic images, alongside the kangaroo and the Tasmanian devil.

Incredible sensations can be experienced even just by being close to this majestic building. Surrounded on all sides by water, with a roof in the form of sails, the Sydney Opera House is a living embodiment of human genius in architecture.

The largest organ, the largest curtain, the most daring idea brought to life - all this you can see when you decide to go to the Sydney Opera House!

4. La Scala, Milan

Founded on the former site of the settlement of Santa Maria della Scala, La Scala is the most famous opera house in the world, the first stop of every tour of Milan. The most famous operas of all times, and here for the first time such names as Arturo Toscanini, Riccardo Muti, Gavazzeni Gianandrea sounded.

This opera house has a brilliant history dating back to the 18th century. The best directors and composers, best singers and actors, great prima donnas, took to the stage of this impressive structure.

The luxury and wealth of La Scala does not leave indifferent any spectator. Every opera lover dreams of getting to the opera at La Scala at least once, enjoying wonderful music and soaking up the atmosphere of great art.

5. Grand Theatre in Moscow

Well, if you do not want or do not have the opportunity to travel far for aesthetic pleasure and vivid impressions, you should think about visiting the Bolshoi Theater in Moscow.

It is difficult to find another such magnificent and full of grandeur building, no doubt with a bright and controversial history. The Bolshoi Theater has always attracted tourists from all over the world and has world recognition. And the excellent repertoire, which is successful in many countries, will not leave dissatisfied connoisseurs of theatrical art.

Each opera house is a special, unique work of art. The list of the ten best opera houses in the world plunges you into an atmosphere of grandeur and sublimity.

Top 10 of the best, according to The National Geographic:

10. Lincoln Center, New York, USA

Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, which harmoniously combines everything: the Metropolitan Opera, the New York Philharmonic, and the New York City Ballet, also has a library and two theaters. The center promotes not only classics, but also innovations, something completely new, not familiar to the viewer. Operas at the Met are regularly filmed and presented to the public in theaters around the world. The role of the Lincoln Center Arts Center is also significant in the field of education: a rich repertoire contributes to the inspiration and creativity of students and professionals.

9. Vienna State Opera (Staatsoper), Vienna, Austria

Built in 1869, the Staatsoper was opened with a performance of Mozart's Don Giovanni. Its reputation as the center of Venice's musical life has long been established, and the Staatsoper remains one of the finest opera houses in the world. Although most of it was destroyed on March 12, 1945, when the Allies bombed the city towards the end of World War II, the main staircase and some other public areas miraculously survived. To get an idea of ​​how everything looked before the air raid, one has only to go through the main entrance to the foyer. The theater you see now was reopened at the end of the Russian occupation of Austria, and the first play staged after 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, located in the famous luxurious palace of Versailles, is distinguished by skillful work. The wooden walls were painted to look like marble (indeed, almost impossible to distinguish from the original). Gold is harmoniously combined with pink and green shades of marble, sky blue curtains and upholstery. Breaking with the traditional Italian style (to which most theaters correspond), the Royal Opera is ringed with two balconies and the building itself is crowned with an extensive colonnade, which, thanks to the play of mirrors, seems to stretch into infinity. Enge-Jacques Gabriel built the theater in 1769 in preparation for the marriage of the Dauphin, the future King Louis XVI, to 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 facade of the Opera makes a strong impression, although it would seem that in Paris, a city where wonderful architectural sculptures are literally on every corner, it is already impossible to surprise. The magnificently decorated building with its crowning dome was built in 1875. The Bolshoi Theater inside is suitable for both ballet and opera. Some of the largest ceremonial spaces in the world are located here in Paris Opera where their majesty lends importance different kind events. Rich and bright interiors reflect the tastes and moods of the Second Empire of France. In 1962, Marc Chagall created new frescoes in the center of the ceiling of the Palais Garnier. The result, no less impressive, is all the more remarkable in that it does not contradict the formal nature of the interior decoration.

6. Sydney Opera House, Sydney, Australia

Perched on a patch of land jutting out into Sydney Harbor, the stunning modern Sydney Opera House has great views of the sailboat-strewn waters. Even if a performance is not on your agenda, you should visit the Sydney Opera House just to take a look at the amazing building. The structure was designed by Jorn Utzon to offer a series of overlapping shells and sails. The grand opening took place in 1973. The first performance in the theater was Prokofiev's War and Peace. Inside, each theater is paneled with different types of wood to improve the acoustics of the room, as well as make it more aesthetic. All major 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 went through "fire, water and copper pipes”, or more precisely, fire, war and revolution. Its stunning neoclassical portico, crowned with 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 enter. In 2005, the theater was closed for renovation and reopened only in the fall of 2011. Four balconies and a top gallery surround the orchestra, where in places are Chippendale chairs upholstered in red damask. The ballet troupe of the Moscow theater enjoys worldwide fame. Here, the famous choreographer Yuri Grigorovich staged memorable performances of "Swan Lake", "Golden Age" and "Romanda".

4. Royal Opera House, London, England

The Royal Opera House was built in Covent Garden at the beginning of the 18th century, and did not change its location, however modern building theater - already the third located on this site. The first operas by Georg Friedrich Handel were performed within the walls of the Royal Theatre, and later many operas and oratorios were written German composer for this place in particular. He performed here regularly from 1735 until the very day of his death in 1759.

3. Colon Theatre, Buenos Aires, Argentina

In order to keep up with the wealthy industrialists of the United States, the Argentines, as passionate fans of the opera, completed the construction of the Teatro Colon in 1908. Determining the style of this theater is by no means easy: it has a 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 only approved by the band famous artists who once adorned his stage. The theater has its own exquisite costumes and picturesque building departments.

2. Teatro San Carlo, Naples, Italy

Built by King Charles of Bourbon in 1737, the magnificent red and gold theater of San Carlo is the oldest in the world, and before the construction of La Scala, it was also the most prestigious in Italy. Some of the most popular operas by Gioachino Rossini have premiered on the stage of San Carlo.

1. La Scala, Milan, Italy

Milan's 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 Gioacchino Rossini, Vincenzo Bellini, Giuseppe Verdi and Gaetano Donizetti. One of the highlights of La Scala is the concave channel under the wooden floor of the orchestra, with the help of which the hall has such excellent acoustics.