Vienna State Opera
The Vienna State Opera is one of the most famous opera houses in the world. It opened on 25 May 1869 with a premiere of the opera Don Giovanni by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
History of the State Opera House
The Opera House was planned and built under the direction of the architect August von Sicardsburg and Eduard van der Nüll. The latter was mainly responsible for the interior design of the opera house. However, neither of them attended the opening of their masterpiece, as they predeceased it.
The then reigning Emperor Franz Joseph and his wife were present at the celebration of the inauguration of their new state opera. During the Second World War, the opera went through a difficult period, as many artists were persecuted by National Socialism and plays were banned. In 1945, the building was almost completely destroyed by a bombing raid, but was quickly rebuilt and put back into operation in the same year.
The building of the State Opera
The Vienna Opera House is considered as one of the most important opera houses worldwide and is known far beyond the national borders. Numerous famous artists and architects were involved in the construction of the building that created an impressive overall work in the arch style of the renaissance.
Even after restoration due to bombing, the basic structure of the building was largely preserved. The building itself houses rehearsal rooms and offices for opera employees. Spectators and visitors to the opera take their seats in one of the 2284 seats that the auditorium has to offer. A highlight of the visitors' area is the crystal chandelier, which almost 1100 bulbs and weighs three tons.
The State Opera today
Since 2010, the opera has been under the direction of Dominique Meyer and the ballet direction of Manuel Legris. It benefits from permanent ensembles such as singers, ballet dancers or philharmonic orchestras. In addition, the most important opera artists are guests at the Haus am Ring every year.
Each season, the opera house stages around 60 different works with over 300 performances. This repertoire is unsurpassed by other opera houses. Worldwide known is the annual Vienna Opera Ball, where important politicians, artists and entrepreneurs from all countries gather and open the dance.
