Grand Opera – the Gem of Parisian Opera

Grand Opera (Picture 1) is the largest opera and ballet house in France. It was primarily the Royal Academy of Music and Dance organized in the XVII century under the sponsorship of King Louis XIV. The contemporary building of Grand Opera was constructed in 1875. Before the opening of Grand Opera, the performances of the royal academy took place in different buildings.

Another name of this theatre – Palais Garnier – was given to it after the name of the architect who projected it – Charles Garnier. The architectural peculiarities of this opera and ballet house deserve custom paper writing or even research papers writing, but I am not a specialist in architecture. I can only say it is really great and amazing.
For three centuries this theater has been the center of European opera. World premiere of Rossini’s William Tell and several other opera world premieres took place here (Picture 2). The works of the best composers and playwrights – from France, Italy, Germany, Austria, Russia and other countries – were performed on the stage of Grand Opera. Best singers – such as Viardo-Garcia, Caruso and Chaliapin and others – sang on it. From 1989 to 1996 Grand Opera did not give opera performances. Today opera performances have been resumed in Grand Opera. I have recently visited Richard Wagner’s Flying Dutchman that was performed there. I should say I was deeply impressed by this opera. All the elements – Wagner’s music performed by the Paris Opera Orchestra, unusual plot, singing of the Paris Opera Chorus, conceptually done decorations and costumes – were perfect.