Opera and classical music play a major role in Prague. In addition to three opera houses, there are several concert halls, including the famous Rudolfinum.
Not only the Czech national composer Smetana, known for the play "The Moldau", but also the premieres of Mozart's operas Don Giovanni and Figaro made classical music popular in Prague.
Here we have put together a small selection of stages and houses.
1. National Theater
The National Theater is the most important theater and opera house in Prague. The building, built in the neo-Renaissance style, is considered a national symbol. On the occasion of the visit of Crown Prince Rudolf, the theater, which was not quite finished, was opened on June 11, 1881, with the premiere of Smetana's opera Libusa, composed especially for the occasion. The ostentatious interior and exterior decoration catches the eye with its rich gilding.
Today, the three ensembles of opera, ballet, and drama operate at the National Theater. In addition to classical plays, works from both domestic authors and modern world literature are performed.
Adresse: Národní 2, Nové Město, 110 00 Prague
2. State Opera
The Prague State Opera was founded as the "New German Theater" and is located near Wenceslas Square. The interior of the ornate Neo-Rococo building catches the eye with red velvet and sparkling chandeliers, and the spacious stage is also striking. The house was opened on January 5, 1888, with the premiere of Richard Wagner's "Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg." Later, Wagner's "Ring of the Nibelung" was also performed here.
After the Germans were expelled after World War II, the house was renamed Smetana Theater.
Since 1992, the stage has served as the Prague State Opera, but for the past seven years it has organizationally belonged to the Czech National Theater as its third stage.
After nearly three years of renovation, the Prague State Opera reopened Jan. 30, 2020, with a celebratory gala concert.
Address: Wilsonova 4, Vinohrady, 110 00 Prague
3. Estates Theatre
After the State Opera and the National Theater, the Estates Theater is the third opera stage in Prague. Built in the classicist style, the building on the Fruit Market in Prague's Old Town is almost completely preserved in its original state.
The house became famous with the premiere of the opera "Don Giovanni" by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart on October 29, 1787. Mozart dedicated this opera to the people of Prague.
With nearly 700 seats, the Estates Theater is now one of the stages of the National Theater and is used for ballet and drama performances, with operas by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart being a program focus.
Address: Železná, Staré Město, 110 00 Prague.
4. Hudební divadlo Karlín
Hudební divadlo Karlín is located near the Florenc metro station. It was opened under the name of Théâtre-Variété on August 27, 1881. The building, one of the three oldest theaters in Prague, was rebuilt several times, the first time in 1897. From this period originate the Arts and Crafts decor, the ceiling paintings, the gilded portal ,and the hand-painted theater curtain.
In October 2006, the Czech premiere of the most successful Broadway musical of all time "The Producers" took place here.
Since then, operettas and musicals have been performed in the Karlin Musical Theater, including numerous world premieres.
Address: Křižíkova 283, Karlín, 186 00 Prague.
5. Rudolfinum
This building was built in the neo-Renaissance style between 1876 and 1884 from light-colored sandstone under the patronage of Crown Prince Rudolf, after whom it was named.
Today it belongs to the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra, which has its headquarters here.
The Rudolfinum is used as a concert and exhibition venue and is often the setting for outstanding classical concerts. In addition, it houses an art gallery with constantly changing exhibitions.
Address: Alšovo nábřeží 79/12, Staré Město, 110 00 Prague.
6. Concerts in Prague Castle
St. George's Basilica in Prague Castle has been preserved as one of the oldest church buildings in Prague. Since it was founded around 920 by Prince Vratislav I, it is one of the oldest church buildings in Prague. The interior is Romanesque, austere, and monumental.
Against this backdrop, classical concerts are held regularly. Among others, works by Smetana, Schubert, Dvořák, Franck, Pachelbel, Bizet, Vivaldi, and Handel can be heard.
The pieces are performed by the Early Prague Music Ensemble, which is composed of highly experienced professional musicians from the National Theater, the State Opera, Czech Radio, the Prague Symphony Orchestra, and the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra.
Address: Náměstí U Svatého Jiří, Hradčany, 119 00 Prague.
7. Concerts in the Church of St. Nicholas in Prague
The Baroque Church of St. Nicholas, built between 1732 and 1735, is one of the architectural masterpieces on the Old Town Square. The magnificent interior is dominated by a ceiling painting above the nave with motifs from the life of St. Nicholas, which is one of the largest in Europe. The chandelier with crystal glass elements was a gift from Russian Tsar Nicholas II.
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart played the organ here during his stay in Prague.
Nowadays, classical music concerts are held in St. Nicholas Church almost every day.
Address: Staroměstské náměstí, 11000 Prague.
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