Originating in Italy during the late 16th Century, Opera has been described as a sophisticated theatrical art form enjoyed by many throughout the ages.
Opera has set the stage for performing arts incorporating acting, scenery, costumes, and compositions in which poetry, dance, and music are combined. In Large auditoriums known as Opera houses, Opera Singers and Instrumentalists portray dramatic pieces that inspire, invoke emotion, and captivate their audiences through-sung passages that could be heard in different languages.
Over the years such genres as comedy, fantasy, history, and romance have been captured on stage in timeless venues where some of the most prized composers became known beyond their audience and throughout history.
Palais Garnier
Perhaps known as one of the most famous opera houses in the world, the Palais Garnier is located in Paris, France and came to be recognized for its opulence and architecture. The monumental Opera house was built during the Second Empire becoming one of the most expensive buildings that arose during the period of 1861-1875. The Palais Garnier was the primary home of the Paris Opera and its associated Paris Opera Ballet, which still takes place today. The Palais Garnier is as breathtaking outside as it is inside the building. Many people travel to see the splendor of the architecture and style as they tour the features of the fresco- and gold-adorned Grand Foyer, the bronze Pythonisse sculpture, the imposing staircase and Europe’s largest stage located in the horseshoe-shaped auditorium seating near 1900 people featuring ceiling paintings and dramatic chandeliers. For touring visitors, the Palais Garnier also offers a restaurant, which has three different spaces and a large outside terrace accessible to the general public.
The Bolshoi Moscow Russia
Built between 1821 -1824 with many renovations leading up into the 20th century, the Bolshoi Theater stands as a landmark of Moscow, Russia and home to the Bolshoi Ballet and Bolshoi Opera, which are among the oldest and most renowned companies in the world. The Bolshoi Theater features an international orchestra and talent stemming from the Bolshoi Academy. Hosting 2-4 productions in a season, the Bolshoi Theater is known as a repertory theater. Popular staples of the Bolshoi Repertoire include Tchaikovsky’s ballet Swan Lake, the Sleeping Beauty, The Nutcracker, Adam’s Giselle, Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet, and Khachaturian’s Spartacus. Being a world-famous center of performing arts the Bolshoi Theatre attracts large numbers of tourists annually.
Teatro Stabile del Veneto
In the modern day the Teatro Stabile del Veneto located near the Rialto Ridge is known as one of the oldest and still existing theaters in Venice, Italy. Built-in 1622 the theater has a long history of owners, renovations, and performances. It is a traditional 18th Century Italian theater, with an auditorium in four tiers of boxes and galleries, with a total capacity of 800 seats and stage. The theatre is home to a prose season organized by the Teatro Stabile del Veneto “Carlo Goldoni”, as well as children’s theater, opera, concerts, ballets, and other events.
Lincoln Center New York
Recognized as the world’s leading performing arts center, The Lincoln Center is located in the center of Lincoln Square neighborhood of Manhattan in New York City. The complex buildings were part of the “Lincoln Square Renewal Project” in the 1950s and 1960s. Rockefeller was the Lincoln Center’s inaugurated president from 1956 and became chairman in 1961. He is credited with raising more than half of the funds needed to build the complex. When doors opened the Lincoln Center Complex hosted the first gathering of major cultural institutions into a centralized location in America. The center has 30 indoor and outdoor performance facilities and is the home to 11 Residential arts organizations that represent the highest standards of excellence in symphony, opera, chamber music, theater, dance, film, and arts education. It is the world’s largest presenter of performing arts offering 5,000 plus programs, initiatives and events annually. The Lincoln Center is featured in many works of art and media sources today and continues to grow its reputation.
