Top 10 Travel Destinations for Opera Lovers
April 26, 2009 by Mary Jo Manzanares
Filed under Home & Living
Theme travel has become a popular reason to travel, whether it is as part of a larger group or independently: companies who put together tours centered around a theme, or travelers who prepare their itinerary around a given theme.
Opera and classical music buffs will want to consider this Top 10 list compiled by Frommer’s (read the full article for lots more details):
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La Scala in Milan, Italy
Göttingen, Germany – The small Deutsches Theater provides a cozy venue for opera lovers. The town is also home to the world’s oldest Baroque music festival, the International Handel Festival.
- St. Petersburg, Russia – The Mariinsky Theater features classical performances as well as those from Russian composers. The summer White Nights Festival, featuring opera and classical music, is Russia’s largest public event.
- Wexford, Ireland – Home to the Wexford Festival, and the recently opened Wexford Operate House. Little knows performers and operas can frequently be seen here.
- New York City – You knew this had to be on the list, with its outstanding venues of the Metropolitan Opera, Carnegie Hall, Alice Tully Hall, and the Brooklyn Academy of Music. There’s music everywhere you turn.
- Milan, Italy – Another city that was sure to be in the top 10, Milan has a storied history of opera. Home to La Scala (dating back to the 18th century), you’ll find both classic and innovative productions.
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Civic Opera House in Chicago
Paris, France – The city that’s been the inspiration for a number of operas, Paris offers myriad venues for opera and classical music. From the gothic Notre Dame Cathedral, to the classic Palais Garnier (the site of Phantom of the Opera), to the modern Opera de la Bastille, you’ll find venues that you’re sure to love.
- Chicago, Illinois – The Civic Opera House is an architectural beauty (worth a visit even if you’re not an opera buff), and home to the Lyric Opera of Chicago. The city’s Chicago Opera Theater presents edgier productions in Millennium Park.
- Stockholm, Sweden –The painstakingly restored 18th century Drottningholm Court Theatre has a brief summer season, and is also a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Santa Fe, New Mexico – This one was a surprise to me, as I hadn’t realized how popular the Santa Fe Opera had become. The high desert landscape has been incorporated into the adobe theater, providing compelling drama onstage and off.
- Sussex, England – Home to the Glyndebourne Festival Opera, taking place every summer on the estate of its founder, John Christie. Think of it as a fancy country house party, complete with world class performances.
Source: Frommer’s
Photo credit: Both from flickr, La Scala, Civic Opera House
The 87th Opera Festival of the Fondazione Arena di Verona will take place this year between June 19th and August 30th with 5 different Operas and a Gala Evening with a special performance of the famous tenor Plácido Domingo to celebrate the 40th anniversary of his debut in the Arena. A total of fifty performances involving, a cast of singers which includes prestigious names, together with all the artistic groups of the Arena di Verona the Orchestra, the Chorus, and the Corps de Ballet. Moreover there will be Anteprima OPERA (Introduction to the Opera) proposes 50 exclusive afternoon events in the glorious setting of the Palazzo Verità Poeta, during which the artists (Maestro at the piano and Singer) will provide a Musical Conversation dedicated to the Opera that will be performed that same evening in the Arena Festival. Guests will thus benefit from an essential overview of this Opera and of the Arena performance.
This first part will be followed by a Wine tasting with one of the best Verona’s Doc wines, presented by the wine producer himself. Those wishing to remain can attend the Cocktail Buffet with some of Verona’s best food, served in the wonderful private garden of the historical setting. An unique occasion to taste renowned wines and the authentic Cuisine of Verona.