Opera Houses

Arena di Verona

Location Verona, Veneto

History  The third largest amphitheatre it was built by the Romans in the 1st century A.D. to house entertainment such as gladiator spectacles. During Medieval times it was used to house jousting tournaments. Since 1913 the arena had become the most important open-air theatre in the world and can house 22,000 spectators. Open only for the summer season, one of the favorite Operas to see here is Aida.

Arena di Verona 2011+ Opera Schedule

Teatro alla Scala

Location Milan, Lombardy

History  As one of the oldest Opera Houses in Italy, the theatre was built in the 18th century to replace the Ducal Theatre which burnt down two years prior. The theatre opened on August 3rd, 1778 with Antonio Salieri, L'Europa Riconosciuta. It was badly damaged during the Second World War but continued on. It has seen the likes of many talented singers, musicians, dancers and of course composers Verdi being the most recognized. In the 21st century the Theatre was closed for renovations and it later re-opened December 7, 2004 again with Saleri’s Opera L’Europa Riconsciuta.

Teatro alla Scala 2011 Opera Schedule

Teatro dell’Opera

Location Rome, Lazio

History The opera house was built in eighteen months, on the site where the house of Heliogabalus stood in ancient times. It was inaugurated on November 27, 1880 with a performance of Semiramide by Gioachino Rossini. The theatre was closed from 1926 as it was sold. The owner renovated the whole structure and re-open on February 27, 1928 with a performance of Nerone. Over the course of a century and many seasons a succession of celebrated Directors and world renowned singers have performed at the Teatro dell’Opera: including Caruso, Maria Callas, Carreras, Domingo and Pavarotti.

Teatro dell’Opera 2011 Opera Schedule

Teatro La Fenice

Location Venice, Veneto

History  On November 1, 1789 a competition was published to the public for the design of the Opera House. The Theatre was inaugurated a couple of years later on May 16, 1792. The interior, artwork and frescoes made it glorious for the eyes, while the acoustics made it pleasing to the ears. Its unique proximity to the water made it a welcome locale for Venetian and European aristocrats alike. The venue was destroyed by fire twice. Once in 1886 and then again recently in 2003 and has been fully restored and is operational today.

Teatro dell’Opera 2010 Opera Schedule