The Opera Lovers Destination

The origin of the Vienna Opera goes back to theKärntnerstrasse. August von Sicardsburg and
beginning of the 18th century. It is the oldestEduard van der Nüll built the State Opera
theatrical institution with an unbroken record ofHouse from 1861 to 1869.
performing in the German-speaking world,. AThe Vienna Opera House has a world-wide
number of new operas were performed in Viennastanding for its first-class opera performances and
during the 47-year-long reign of Emperor Leopoldis also known because of the Vienna Philharmonic
I, who was a composer as well a ruler.Orchestra. A night at the State Opera is one of
With a handwritten letter to the Minister of thethe most impressive events any visitor to Vienna
Interior dated 20 December 1857, the 27-year-oldcan experience.
Emperor Franz Josef confirmed his alreadyThe building itself closely resembles Italian
discussed decision to expand the city of ViennaRenaissance, as this epoch was immensely
and for the construction of public buildings. Manyimportant for art and music. The first operas
participants in the international contest announcedwere written and performed in Italy during the
on 30 January 1858 for the expansion of the16th century. The loggia towards Ring Boulevard
inner city of Vienna planned the new opera houseaims to emphasize the house's openness to the
to be near the Kärntnertore, thus close bypublic. It is adorned with a precious cycle
the theatre it was to replace, which indicates arepresenting the Mozart's 'Magic Flute' and other
strong tradition of opera-awareness.famous operas accomplished by painter Moritz
It was especially tragic that criticism of thevon Schwind. Numerous statues and figurative
building, which started in the autumn of 1868, onlyembellishments at the inside and outside of Vienna
came to an end after the untimely deaths of theopera underline the festive character of the
two architects. The style was criticized. In 1861house.
the opera house had been started in a romanticThe Vienna State Opera is one of the first opera
concept, which however, at the latest in 1865 hadaddresses in the world - offering great diversity
been replaced by the monumental conceptions ofat the highest level. The program of this
the strict style of historicism.renowned opera house changes daily and
Following the destructions of the opera house onpresents 50 opera and 15 ballets on 300 days of
12 March 1945 due to the effects of war, athe year.
completely different opinion emerged during theOnce a year, the stage and orchestra stalls of
lengthy discussions on the reconstruction. Therethe Vienna State Opera turn into a giant dance
was no doubt that the facade should be restored,floor - for the Vienna Opera Ball. More than a
whereas a faithful restoration of the interior gavehundred debutante couples in long evening dress
rise to differences. The reopening of the operaand tailcoats open the ball in the presence of the
house was celebrated on 5 November 1955.Austrian Federal President; once more, one can
Vienna Opera House is situated in the first districtfeel the ambiance of the Vienna of the great Ring
of Vienna at the southern end of theBoulevard era.