Joanna James
Here are the top 5 opera houses that you should visit for a chance to experience the best performances featuring a stunning combination of culture, heritage and history. 🎭
Photo by Ryan Raffa , Flickr , (CC BY-SA 2.0)
With a theatrical history of over 200 years, the Beijing Opera is a combination of singing, dialogue, stylized action, acrobatic fighting, mime and dancing which is created to display a story of various emotions played by characters, from happiness, sorrow, surprise, sadness and fear.
The operas are usually displays featuring significant historical events, tales of emperors and empresses, stories of geniuses, great beauties, ministers and generals. Traditional operas would consist of tales stemming from ancient times to the Qin, Han, Sui, Tang, Qing and Ming dynasties are performed.
The newer, modern age operas would include those adapted from classical novels and literature. The Li Yuan Theater is known to be one of the best places to view Beijing Opera and one of the many popular opera houses in the country.
By Bruno Corpet (Quoique) (Own work) CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
The Shanghai Grand Theater is a popular landmark in the city, located at the heart of People's Square in the city. The Theater was established in 1998 and is known to be one of the largest and well equipped stages in the world. The theatre transforms in to a glittering crystal palace after nightfall.
The Grand Theater is equipped with state of the art stereo facilities and advanced lighting which is a great venue for hosting operas, international art conventions and art exhibitions. Some of the popular European operas including classical musical dramas, ballet recitals, pantomimes, and concerts were held at the Grand Theater.
By Andy Mitchell from Glasgow, UK (Istana Budaya, Kuala Lumpur) CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Istana Budaya is the National Theatre of Malaysia and is equipped with state of the art equipment. The main building of the theatre takes the form of a traditional arrangement of betel leaves known as Sirih Junjung, each divided by a function that's based on a traditional Malay house.
Built from marble, the theatre is a work of art by itself, featuring hand carved flower and leaf patterns on the wooden doors. Some of the popular shows featured here include performances like Mamma Mia and Cats! The auditorium is said to be able to accommodate over 1412 people.
Those visiting the Theatre can also take advantage of the many facilities offered here from cycling or jogging tracks. The National Art Gallery, located next to the theatre displays over 2500 pieces of art work by local and international artists.
By Poco a poco. (Own work.) GFDL or CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Online sites such as My Entertainment Hub feature information on theatre halls and opera houses and the Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall, located in the heart of Singapore is world renowned.
Completed in 1909, the complex has hosted events from political meetings, musical performances, exhibitions and stage performances. One of the most popular events that take place here is the Singapore Symphony Orchestra.
By Vinhphat1808 (Own work) CC BY-SA 4.0], via Wikimedia Commons
Hanoi Opera House is said to be one of the very few venues for hosting a symphony. The Opera House is based in a French colonial building and is identified as the city's most significant landmark. The interior of the Opera House is a great depiction of architectural beauty and Hanoi's historical significance.
The Toyota Concert and the Hennessy Classical Concert are two of the annual events held at the Opera House. A variety of art shows, dance performances, concerts and operas are hosted by the Hanoi Opera House.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
