Berlin is rightfully considered one of the centers of European culture. Firstly, almost the entire city consists of architectural attractions - many old buildings and cathedrals have been preserved here in their original form or have been restored. For example, the Berlin State Opera, the Brandenburg Gate, Gendarmenkmart square and many others. Secondly, in Berlin there are more than 170 various museums where rare exhibits of antiquity are presented.
Libraries, museums, galleries, exhibitions - all this makes the city so attractive for both locals and tourists. In addition, studies conducted among expats have shown that Berlin is the best capital in the world. So thinks 84% ​​of people surveyed.
The musical life of the city
Berlin is the musical capital of Germany. At the same time, classical traditions are supported here and at the same time, new musical directions are developing.
However, it all starts with the classics. Numerous concert halls, music halls, theaters of Berlin - all of them attract a huge amount of audience.
There are 15 theaters in Berlin. Among them: the Berlin National Opera, the Drama Theater, the Schiller Theater, the Gorky Theater, the Theater on Potsdamer Platz and others. Each of them can be proud of its own unique history, however, first of all, you need to learn about the most significant sights.
Berlin State Opera
It is also called German. This is the oldest of the existing theaters of the capital of Germany and, obviously, the most visited. The luxurious hall accommodates 1300 people.
It was here that the premiere of Wagner's “Free Arrow” took place, the famous “Russian Seasons”, the tour of the most outstanding bass - Fedor Chaliapin took place.
Theater History
In 1741, King Frederick II ordered the construction of a theater in Berlin. The work was entrusted to the architect Georg von Knobelsdorff. The following year, the Royal Court Opera was opened. The first work staged on her stage was “Cleopatra and Caesar” by Karl Graun. After exactly 100 years, the “Free Shooter" was staged here.
Symphony and chamber concerts were constantly held in the theater, the opera was conducted by the famous composer and conductor Felix Mendelssohn.
However, in 1843 a strong fire destroyed the building almost completely. Therefore, until 1844, the building was reconstructed. The city could not remain so long without a theater, a new opera was built in the shortest possible time.
After the history of the theater is replenished with the premieres of the operas of Meyerbeer “Camp in Silesia” and “Windsor pranks”. In the new hall, Richard Strauss himself conducted.
The fate of the National Opera in the XX century
After the collapse of the German Empire in 1918, the theater was renamed the State Opera on Unter den Linden.
The theater begins cooperation with prominent conductors and composers around the world. Here are the names of Bruno Walter, Richard Strauss, Otto Klemperer and others.
The Berlin State Opera is also closely cooperating with Russia - for two years, Diaghilev’s “Russian Ballet” has been touring here. Fyodor Chaliapin, Ida Rubinstein, Mikhail Fokin and Tamara Karsavina are touring on stage . The theater becomes the epicenter of the cultural life of not only Germany, but the whole world.
Unfortunately, the Second World War did not pass by the National Opera. Until 1945, the building was destroyed three times. Most of the troupe was destroyed.
Post-war years
The final restoration was completed only in 1955. The opening of the new hall was marked by the production of Wagner’s opera Nuremberg Mastersingers.
The creation of the Berlin Wall also could not but affect the life of the theater - after 1961 the number of productions was reduced, the troupe vividly felt the isolation of German opera from the whole world. But, despite the difficulties, the theater leadership supported the life in the theater with all its might.
After the reunification of the city, the director of the theater was Daniel Barenboim, who did his best to restore the popularity of the opera.
In 2010, a new restoration began, the purpose of which was to revive the original appearance of the building, as well as transfer all administrative premises and rehearsal rooms to the new building. Construction dragged on for 7 years. At this time, the troupe of the theater moved to the Schiller Theater.
In 2017, during the famous festival “Opera for All”, the grand opening of the restored hall was made. This date coincided with the 275th anniversary of the legendary theater.
Today on the stage of the Berlin State Opera are staged works by Mozart, Bizet, Wagner, Verdi, Strauss, Shostakovich, Rossini, Guno, Tchaikovsky and others.
So, if you find yourself in the capital of Germany, you still cannot decide where to go in Berlin, be sure to visit the National Opera. You will be imbued with the atmosphere of an ancient theater and you will be able to see some of the best opera performances in the whole world. You can find the opera building on the main street of Berlin - Unter den Linden.