Opera House, Wroclaw

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Wroclaw's opera house is a Neo-classical creation of Carl Ferdinand Langhans, son of the famous architect from Berlin. It was built 1839 - 41. The opera tradition goes back as far as the first half of the 17th century, though, when Italian operas where performed in the city. 1997 - 2005 the opera house had to undergo a thorough renovation. It's as beautiful as never before I'd say :-)

Unfortunately I couldn't see the interior. Didn't have time for attending a performance and tours are not offered. Anyway, from pictures that I've seen elsewhere I know it must be magnificent. Recent opera performances got positive reviews (Frau ohne Schatten e.g.), some well-known international soloists appeared on stage (Susan Anthony e.g.).

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The beautiful classic building of Wroclaw Opera House has been pride of the city since 1841. Recently renovated, it is now one of the most stunning opera houses in this part of Europe. The repertoire, with more than two hundred opera and ballet performances scheduled for every artistic season, is great. Every opera lover should be satisfied.

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I had been planning to go to the opera in Wroclaw for quite a long time but there was always something more important or interesting to do. Between me, you and the gatepost, I am not an opera fan so my visits there are rather scarce. Our Opera House, however, has just been renovated, so having heard much praise about its interior, I've finally decided to invite my family to watch La Bohema by Giacomo Puccini. The performance, though satisfactory, wasn't anything special but the interiors are truly impressive.

The dominant colours are golden and purple with addition of ivory and pale pink. Gilt ornaments have been made of 23-carat gold and cover the surface of 10 thousand square metres. Cristal mirrors in the foyer and so called Emperor's Chamber reflect the light from beautiful cristal chandeliers. The biggest chandelier, hanging over the audience, comes from the 19th century. There's no doubt that the Opera has regained its former splendour.

The Municipal Theatre, (as it was called in the beginning because both dramas and operas were performed there), was opened on September 13th, 1841. Designed by a famous architect Carl F. Langhans, the construction delighted townsmen with its harmony and grace. Fortunately, the building didn't suffer much destruction in WWII. But the dreary times of communism didn't favour the flourishment of music and art. The Opera House was gradually falling into decline, mainly due to the lack of funds. A thorough renovation was started in 1997 and successfully completed in 2006. Once again the Opera dazzles everybody with its glow.

The theatre was built between 1837-41 by Carl Langhans (creator of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin). The Calssical style construction was burnt down twice and rebuilt several times. Until 1944 the theatre was one of the most prestigous stages in Germany.

The first post was presentation was "Halka" by S. Moniuszko and was performed on 8 September 1945. Since than more than 260 premieres was taken place here. The Opera is widly known for its splending open air operatic presentations and its super productions presented in the Ludowa Hall.