In anticipation of the new fall season programming from the world’s best in opera, ballet and classical performances, we’ve selected ten opera houses worth traveling the world for. From every corner of the globe, these opera houses are distinctly unique and have a fascinating history, with each performance played by the world’s very best.
Palais Garnier
With Karl Lagerfeld recently designing ballet costumes for a Benjamin Millepied ballet, the opulent Belle Epoque-designed opera is one of the grandest theaters out there. With a Chagall-clad ceiling and inspiration from The Phantom of The Opera, this beautiful opera house is must see when in Paris. Be sure not to miss upcoming performances put on by George Balachine, the most prominent ballet choreographer of the 20th century. A true visionary, Balachine saw dance as a true visualization of music. Three of his abstract ballets will performed be during the evening with sets and costumes also designed by Karl Lagerfeld.
Bolshoi Theatre
Home to what are deemed the world’s best opera and ballet troupes, the Bolshoi Theatre is a big figure in Russia’s history. The stage was the last place Lenin spoke publicly, and rather ironically, was also originally a Prince’s private theatre. The interior architecture is opulent and ornate due to the gold leaf trim, rich tapestries and crystal chandeliers. Don't miss Puccini's upcoming performances which include a tale of urgent young love. Manon Lescaut deviates between the two greater calls for a young beauty: love or luxury?
Teatro alla Scala
Verdi’s first hit opera, Nabucco, debuted at La Scala in 1842. Since then, the name has been intertwined with his career. This world renowned neo-classical theatre was also the launch pad for the opera star Maria Callas, which cemented her status as the world’s best female opera voice. Verdi's masterpiece La Traviata will be lead by Violetta, who will be played by the current most highly-acclaimed soprano, Anna Netrebko.
Festival Hall Baden-Baden
Germany’s largest opera and concert hall has some of the most exclusive programs in all of Europe, with the world’s best acts performing for only one or two nights for those lucky enough to snag a ticket. One of youngest opera houses—the Festival Hall was constructed in 1998—it was converted from the historical Baden-Baden train station and combined with modern design to create one of the world’s premiere stages. It was also the first opera and concert hall in Europe to be acoustically planned down to the fabric of the seats with the assistance of a virtual model. Be sure to catch 1920's era style crooner Max Raabe & Palast Orchester performing unheard material exclusively for this audience. Expect everything from classically-trained covers of Britney Spears to music from the Golden Era.
Royal Danish Opera House
Showcasing some of the best Danish design by renowned architect Henning Larson, the Royal Danish Opera House is one of the most modern opera houses in the world. Queen Margerethe chose to have her personal box close to the stage so she could see the performers get ready in the wings before entering the stage. This theatre is know for its showings of La Bohème, which is called the ultimate opera because it is tragic, beautiful and unforgettable. For many opera goers, Puccini’s romantic drama is what The Nutcracker is to balletomanes. Lovers, grandparents, older children or close colleagues; all hearts will be warmed when the musical narrative unfolds.
The Metropolitan Opera
Originally slated to be built at the current site of the Rockefeller Centre, the Met is where it is today after the New York Philharmonic decided to build a cultural hub on the Upper West Side. The iconic Swarovski starburst chandeliers were a gift from the Austrian government for the aid in the years after World War II. Don't miss the season opener presenting Wagner’s Tristan und Isolde. This new production contains eerie and moving visual projections by film director Mariusz Treliński and Sir Simon Rattle will be conducting in one of his rare appearances at the Met.
The Sydney Opera House
When someone thinks of Australia, the prominent white sails of this UNESCO Heritage site immediately comes to mind. The Sydney Opera House has become an icon of late modern architecture. This opera house was also famously 1,457% over budget and took 10 years past the original opening date to build, with Queen Elizabeth officiating the ceremony. While at the opera house, listen to comedy legend of Monty Python and Fawlty Tower's fame, John Cleese, as he waxes about life and comedy.
Guangzhou Opera House
Designed by the great Zaha Hadid, this design evokes an interplay with architecture and nature, resembling river valleys and the effects of erosion. Turandot, an opera by Puccini, was the premiere production at Guangzhou Opera House. Catch the beautiful classic Swan Lake performed by the world's best ballet company, the Mariinsky Ballet, whose previous members included the legendary Mikhail Baryshnikov.
Wien Opera House
This opera house was unfortunately damaged during the second World War. However, several important architecture elements survived including the main lobby, central staircase, tea salon, and Schwind Foyer, so visitors are able to view the original grandeur. With a performance nearly every night, visitors are able to see a variety of acts from opera, children’s opera, or ballet. Now playing is Vedi's Aida, an operatic classic as well as a Broadway hit, which is set in ancient Egypt following the tragic love story of a secret princess and a war hero.
The Royal Opera House
Having been rebuilt after two disastrous fires, the Royal Opera House dates back to 1732. The house even briefly became a dance hall during WWII, a popular attraction for servicemen and women on leave. Legends including Maria Callas, Margot Fonteyn, Luciano Pavarotti and Rudolf Nureyev have graced its stage. A major reconstruction in the 1990s resulted in the creation of a series of beautiful, modern public spaces to complement the historic grandeur of Covent Garden’s main arena and further improvements are being planned. The latest show to come to the theatre is comprised of Semyon Bychkov's cast of young and up-and-coming talent, including American soprano Corinne Winters.
