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About
The Zurich Opera* (German: Opernhaus Zurich) is not just a theater, but a real gem of the cultural life of Zurich and the whole of Switzerland. It is deservedly considered one of the leading opera houses in Europe, known for its high-quality productions and international appeal, which makes it a must-see for art connoisseurs.
The history of the Zurich Opera goes back to 1834, when its predecessor– the Aktientheater, was opened. The first production on his stage was Mozart's famous opera The Magic Flute. This theater played an important role in the cultural life of Zurich and even became the center of activity of the great composer Richard Wagner during his stay in Switzerland after his forced departure from Germany.
Unfortunately, in 1890, the original theater building was destroyed by fire. However, the cultural life of the city did not stop: the troupe moved to a new, specially rebuilt building of the Zurich City Theater (Stadttheater Zurich), erected in just 16 months on the picturesque shore of the lake. The grand opening took place in 1891, and it is symbolic that Wagner's opera Lohengrin was chosen for this event. Until 1925, this theater remained the main venue of the city for dramatic, opera and musical performances.
The theater received its current, world–famous name, Opernhaus Zurich (Zurich Opera House), in 1964. The building that we see today was designed by talented Viennese architects from the Fellner and Helmer bureau, known for their theater projects throughout Europe. Currently, the Zurich Opera is on the verge of a new chapter in its history: a large-scale reconstruction is planned, which is expected to be completed by the early 2030s, in time for the 200th anniversary of the opening of the first theater.