The Dresden State Opera is rightfully considered one of the most beautiful theaters not only in Germany, but throughout the world. This three-story majestic Baroque building is easily recognizable in the city center. Currently, its official name is the Dresden-Saxon State Opera, although it is more often called the Semperoper (Zemperoper) in honor of the architect Semper, who gave us this magnificent building.
This happened in 1841. Unfortunately, the building burned down in 1869. Due to his participation in the German Revolution of 1848, Semper fled Saxony at that time. He created a new theater project abroad “at the request of the public”, and the construction was supervised by his eldest son Manfred Semper.
In front of the building there is a statue of King Johann of Saxony on horseback.
At the top of the main entrance was placed a bronze quadriga, harnessed by bronze panthers, and driven by Dionysus and Ariadne. At the entrance to the theater there are statues of Goethe and Schiller, and at the side entrances there are statues of Shakespeare, Sophocles, Moliere and Euripides. The western façade features the coat of arms of Saxony and a bust of Semper.
The interior is decorated with gold painting and marble of different colors.
A curtain 12 meters long and 7 meters high weighs 400 kilograms. It was restored exactly according to historical sketches. It depicts busts of poets and philosophers, lyrical compositions and garlands.
This is what the lobby looks like:
and the main hall with 1300 seats:
Many famous opera premieres took place in this building - works by Wagner, Strauss, Weber and other composers. The theater did not stop operating even during World War II, but in 1945, during the bombing of the city, it was completely destroyed. Restoration work lasted forty years(!). Now it is also called Semper's third opera.
The modern Dresden Opera and Ballet Theater consists of several independent rooms. Among them, it is worth noting the Saxon State Chapel - this is the traditional name of the Saxon State Symphony Orchestra, created in 1548. The a cappella orchestra is one of the oldest in the world and is the base orchestra of the Saxon State Opera.
The opera soloists are well known outside Germany. In addition, world stars enjoy performing on the Dresden stage.
In 2016, the second, experimental stage of the theater opened - Semper Zwei, which is located behind the main building.
Address of the Semperoper: Theaterplatz 2.
Performances on the main stage usually start at 19:00.
Ticket price:
- depending on the season, location, level of performers, ticket prices vary from 5 euros to 350 euros.
How to get to the Dresden Opera: by electric train S-Bahn route S8, S9 - stop Theaterplatz; by bus №62, 75 - stop Postplatz.
Official website of the Dresden Opera: semperoper.de.
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