Opera in Prague

The pride of Prague’s opera scene is, without a doubt, the State Opera House. The first entertainment facility built here was the New Town Theatre, which was torn down in 1885 to make room for the building which stands there today. Originally named the New German Theatre (to accompany the newly-built National Theatre) this Neo-Classical building became the main opera house in 1945. The frieze on the structure’s façade is a nod to ancient Greek theatre, depicting the god Dionysus and the goddess Thalia. Its stuccoed interior features original paintings in the auditorium and on the stage curtains.

The types of operas performed here of course include the classic standard German, French, Italian, and Russian operas, but it also puts on an array of daring contemporary opera. Occasionally, the State Opera works in conjunction with foreign opera companies, supplying its well renowned ballet, chorus, orchestra, and singers to collaborate with the visiting opera’s foreign singers. In doing so, the State Opera ensures a diverse range in the style of its operas, while never having to sacrifice the quality. Also, the house ballet company often puts on productions of its own at the State Opera House, and holds ballet galas in the spring.

The Estates Theatre and the National Theatre also offer some opera performances worth seeing. The Estates Theatre is the opera house at which Mozart’s “Don Giovanni” and “La Clemenza di Tito” debuted, and is a must-see for Mozart fans. This marvelous Neo-Classical structure dates back to 1783, when it was built by Count Nostitz. The National Theatre, which sits on the banks of the Vltava river, offers an exquisite environment for the operas performed here. Intricately decorated ceilings and decadent golden balconies make the viewers feel as though they’ve entered into a different century. Tickets for all operas usually range from between 250 and 1300 crowns, depending on where you sit, and should be purchased in advance.