Sydney Opera House, Sydney
Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007, the Sydney Opera House in Sydney, Australia, was designed by architect Jørn Utzon. A timeless example of elegant and modern architecture, this dramatic structure features shell-shaped concrete panels and overlooks Sydney Harbour. Although the Sydney Opera House officially opened in 1973, performances had taken place on the premises; the most well-known was in 1960, when the building was still under construction and Paul Robeson, the American concert artist and actor, sang Ol’ Man River to workers during their lunch hour.
Palais Garnier, Paris
Paris, the capital of France, is home to the gorgeous Palais Garnier. Built in 1875 by architect Charles Garnier, Palais Garnier is a splendid example of the architecture during the reign of Napoleon III, featuring Greek, Baroque and Classical influences. The world’s most famous opera and ballet performances once took place here but, as of 1989, Palais Garnier mainly hosts ballet performances.
Palais Garnier is also the setting for the novel, The Phantom of the Opera, later adapted into a musical. During the building’s construction, excavations revealed high levels of groundwater. Garnier’s solution to the issue was to store the groundwater in a double-layered foundation for use in the event of a fire. This led to rumors of subterranean lakes and strange creatures residing under the structure, thus inspiring Gaston Leroux’s novel.
Teatro alla Scala (La Scala), Milan
When it comes to the world’s finest opera houses, the Teatro alla Scala in Milan, Italy, is certainly high on the list. Designed by the renowned architect Guiseppe Piermarini and long considered a Milan landmark, Teatro alla Scala opened in 1778 with the performance of Antonio Salieri’s opera Europa riconosciuta. From that time, La Scala has served as a major venue for the world’s best opera singers. The season at Teatro alla Scala traditionally begins on The Feast of St. Ambrose, December 7; performances at the theatre conclude before midnight. The La Scala Museum, inside the building, exhibits documents, costumes and other items related to the history of opera.
Metropolitan Opera House, New York City
The Metropolitan Opera House, now regarded as one of the most beautiful opera houses in the world and the most prestigious opera house in North America, was originally located on Broadway and 39th Street. Opened in 1883 with the performance of Charles Gounod’s Faust, the structure proved to be inadequate for its purpose and was supplanted by the current modernist-style Metropolitan Opera House, set in the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts complex. To attract new audiences, the Metropolitan Opera House offers “Live in HD” high-definition performance broadcasts and seatback screens with subtitles in multiple languages, allowing audiences to follow the libretto more easily.
Royal Opera House, London
The Royal Opera House in London is considered among the best opera houses in the UK and worldwide. Located on Bow Street, the Royal Opera House opened in 1732 as the Covent Garden Theater. It was damaged by fire a few decades later and rebuilt in 1809. For a long period, Italian operas were the only ones performed at the Royal Opera House. The Royal Opera House now hosts all types of performances, including theatre and ballet, as well as acting and singing workshops.
Teatro Colón, Buenos Aires
In Buenos Aires, Argentina, the renowned Teatro Colón opera house is considered a national landmark. Built with the influence of European immigrants from Italy and Spain, Teatro Colón was designed by architects Francesco Tamburini, Vittorio Meano and Julio Dormal, and draws inspiration from Italian and French architectural styles. Its first performance was in 1908 and its world-class acoustics are still notable.
Vienna State Opera, Vienna
The Vienna State Opera in Austria’s capital, Vienna, was built in 1869 during the reign of Emperor Franz Joseph I. In keeping with the city’s refined taste, the elegant building features Renaissance-style influences. The first opera performed was Mozart’s Don Giovanni. In addition to hosting spectacular performances, the Vienna State Opera houses seven sculptures representing the seven major branches of art.
Amazon Theater, Manaus
In Manaus, Brazil – the Brazilian Amazon region – the Teatro Amazonas (Amazon Theater) opened in 1896 after fifteen years of construction. Designed in Lisbon, Portugal, the Art Nouveau style opera house is on the Tentative List of UNESCO World Heritage Sites and is widely considered to be one of the world’s loveliest opera houses, as well as one with unique historical value.
Bolshoi Theater, Moscow
The Bolshoi Theater in Moscow, the capital of Russia, was designed by architect Osip Bove and is considered a symbol of Russian culture and art. Opened in 1781, the venerable structure was twice damaged by fire and rebuilt each time. This historically significant structure hosts numerous performances, including those of the illustrious Bolshoi Ballet.
Suntory Hall, Tokyo
Set in the Akasaka District of Tokyo, the capital of Japan, Suntory Hall is considered among the best opera houses in the world thanks to its superb acoustics. As Tokyo’s first private concert hall, Suntory Hall, opened by the Suntory Group, began operating in the fall of 1986.
In accordance with the Suntory Group principle of “giving back to the society” Suntory Hall’s commercial profits are used to improve the services offered to patrons, in addition to other endeavors.
We wish you inspiring and art-filled travels!
