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 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. Such famous performers as Kirsten Flagstad, Lauritz Melchior, Leonard Warren, Adam Didur, Fyodor Chaliapin, Maria Callas, Luciano Pavarotti and many others sang at the Metropolitan. 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 stormy and controversial reaction from both theater employees and ordinary Muscovites. Anyway, Grand Theatre remains one of the most important places in 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, 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 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 monument World Heritage UNESCO.
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 am to 5 pm every day, except for three holidays: January 1, May 1, December 25, as well as morning performances.
Bolshoi Theater in Moscow /tyts/
Mariinskii Opera House(St. Petersburg) - one of the oldest and largest musical theaters in 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 became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Sydney Opera House
Strasbourg Opera House
Colon is the largest opera and ballet theater (and also a center classical music) throughout 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 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 hosts annual 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. This legendary complex includes: a large auditorium with seating for 3,900 spectators, and three auxiliary venues. 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 Oslofjord and the coastal area of the seaport, while connecting historical Center cities with modern quarters.
The main hall of the theater has a seating capacity of 1,364 and has a classic horseshoe shape, which ensures the highest acoustic characteristics. Main feature The theater now has a sloping roof, smoothly descending to the ground. It was quickly chosen by 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
Castle 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 the concert halls of the opera house. This ensemble also includes a museum of architecture and National Museum fine arts.
Despite the fact that cinema has existed for a long time, theaters are as popular as in the old days.
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. La Scala in Milan is deservedly considered the best theater in Italy.
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 blessing of the ancient gods for the future theater. The theater hall seats up to 2,800 people. By the way, it is customary to come here dressed in black.
IN different times The works of Bellini, Verdi and Puccini were 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 the composer Camber with a signature Louis XIV. This theater has survived centuries, 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 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.
The Vienna Opera was built in 1869; the interior decoration is striking in its luxury and majesty.
At the end of the 19th century this place was the center cultural life Europe. Here, according to tradition, the world-famous “Opera Ball” is still held annually, 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. In the form in which it appears now, it has been preserved since latest restoration in 1856. Is different high level actors' performances 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 suitable for 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 modern technologies are used here, such as a ticker in the back of the 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’s “The Miserly Knight”, “Aleko” and “Francesca da Rimini” took place here, and Rachmaninov acted as conductor.
On the stage of the Bolshoi Theater, visiting troupes from La Scala and Vienna Opera" Designed for 2,155 seats.
7. “Sydney Opera” is an architectural masterpiece rather than a theatrical one.
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”.
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 countries they tried to outdo each other in the monumentality of buildings and the pomp of interiors. IN this moment The importance of opera productions has not lost its popularity, but in most cases, opera and ballet theaters are more perceived 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, this 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 perceived as 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 shore Mediterranean Sea, it is connected to the casino by a red marble foyer. The construction of the building took only six months, and the result was an extremely intricate 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. The theater building designed by the architects Giovanni Antonio Medrano and Angelo Carasale for the Bourbon monarch Carlos III of Naples.
The theater experienced its greatest prosperity 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. Magnificent decorative finish auditorium has largely survived 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 economic development 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, the Bavarian Opera reopened, and performances there continue to this day. Mikhailovsky Theater
Saint-Petersburg, Russia
The brilliant history of 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 of the 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 splendor of the imperial theater is contained within: 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.
Metropolitan Opera House
New York, USA
One of largest theaters 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, Samuel Barbara premiered Vanessa, which won the Pulitzer Prize for outstanding performance. 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, a leading opera stage peace.
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 great amount spectators. 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. Orchestra pit main stage 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.
No matter what the fans say modern technologies, films will never replace theater. Musicals will never be as entertaining and exciting as opera or ballet. The most brilliant performance of a film actor cannot be compared with the live performance and improvisation of a theater actor.
But beyond the action itself, theaters are often stunning just for the view. So let's admire the most beautiful theaters peace. Well, we dream of visiting there someday.
1. Palau de la Música Catalana, Barcelona, Spain
The magnificent concert hall was built by Luis Domenech i Montaner. This theater is the only one in the world concert hall with natural light. The incredible glass mosaic that makes up the dome of the ceiling literally fascinates with its colorfulness.
2. Winter Garden Theatre, Toronto, Canada
Thomas Lamb's incredible botanical imagination simply leaves you looking at nothing else! We can’t even imagine how people watch performances in this theater. We bet you too would be looking at the leaves, flowers and lanterns hanging from the ceiling rather than watching a show.
3. Minack Theatre, Cornwall, England
The theater is the brainchild of amateur Rowena Cade, who designed it at the end of her garden to display goods for sale to local residents.
4. Wuxi Grand Theatre, China
This theater is one of the key cultural projects China. It stands on the southern shore of the lake, and its reflection in the water creates an unusual and fascinating view. Perhaps its interior is not as impressive as the interior of previous theaters, but appearance The theater is clearly one of the best in the world.
5. Gran Teatre del Liceu, Barcelona, Spain
This opera house has existed since 1847. A similar interior can be found in our operas ( National Opera Ukraine, for example), but the facade of the building is simply stunning!
6. Boston Opera House, Boston, Massachusetts
One of the most famous theaters in the world, and one of the most pompous, if we talk about the interior. He was one of the first in America to show vaudeville and became the first theater to show films.
7. Guangzhou Opera House, China
Incredible theater! It feels like you're sitting under some creamy sky with bright stars On him. I want to literally bury myself in the softness of this interior and stay there forever.
8. The Seebühne, Austria
Have you ever seen a floating theater? Amazing sight! It seems to us that performances are not even needed here. You can just come and enjoy this magnificent view.
9. Gran Teatro La Fenice, Venice, Italy
The theater, located in one of the most beautiful cities in the world, is in no way inferior to its city in beauty. The history of the theater dates back to 1789, when it was necessary to replace the main opera house that burned to the ground.
10. Copenhagen Opera House, Copenhagen, Denmark
Just imagine what it's like to see such splendor from the stage. It seems that all the excitement should disappear the moment the actor comes out to the viewer. It's breathtaking!