Opera as a genre originated in Italy, but very soon spread throughout Europe. In the mid-17th century it also became popular in Austria. However, opera performances required a theater with special acoustics. Therefore, at first in Vienna performances were given in ordinary halls, but it was soon decided to build a special building intended exclusively for opera. The foundation stone was laid in 1861.
Almost 8 years later, on May 25, 1869, the first performance took place on the stage of the Vienna Court Opera. That day Mozart's opera "Don Juan" was performed. Emperor Franz Joseph I himself came to the premiere. But the architects of this magnificent building, unfortunately, did not live to see its opening.
The famous Austrian masters August Sicard von Sicardsburg and Eduard van der Nüll worked on the design of the Vienna Opera. After the building acquired its final appearance and only the interior work remained, the public harshly criticized their work. The opera was called "squat," compared to a "sinking box," and so on. Even the emperor spoke of it rather sharply. Unable to bear the disgrace, Eduard van der Nüll decided to take his own life, and his partner, August Sicard von Sicardsburg, outlived him by only 10 weeks - he died of tuberculosis. No one expected such an outcome, not even the emperor himself. Later Franz Joseph I tried to be more restrained in his assessments of any works of art.
Unfortunately, the original building of the Vienna Opera was heavily damaged during the Second World War. All that remained of it were the staircase, some sculptures, and frescoes. Therefore, the current opera building is a restoration that breathed new life into the heart of Austria's musical culture. However, if you compare photographs of the current structure and the previous one, the difference is almost imperceptible. That is, the Opera was not rebuilt, and this is perhaps the best, albeit belated, recognition for its first architects.
Now not only admirers of this genre dream of getting into the Vienna Opera. Every year in mid-February, the famous Vienna Opera Ball takes place here. This event is so grand that it is equated with a state reception - the entire European elite attends it, and, of course, the President of Austria. To get to this event, you can buy a ticket on the official website of the Vienna Opera, obtain a Schengen visa, and head to Austria. Do not forget to take care of evening attire, and, of course, it would not hurt to remember the basic dance steps.
In the same way, anyone can attend opera performances today. The cost, of course, is considerable, but there are different categories of tickets. However, in any case, it is better to take care of purchasing them in advance.
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