Opera houses are some of the most impressive and beautiful buildings in the world, thanks to their architectural elegance and rich history. The United States has a long and well-known history for popularising opera music, so it should come as no surprise that many opera houses across the country are well worth visiting.
When visiting any of these beautiful locations, it is important to dress appropriately. Therefore, it is imperative to pack wisely, including men’s shoes to match the occasion. After all, dressing up only adds to the experience.
Metropolitan Opera House
The Metropolitan Opera House, located in New York City, is the most famous opera house in the United States and one of the most iconic in the world. It has become known for its grandeur and opulence, hosting legendary acoustics to elevate your musical experience to another level.
The Met, as it is more commonly known, is home to some of the industry’s most talented singers and musicians. It can seat an audience of 3,800 and hosts over 200 presentations every year. A visit to this historic institution should be at the top of any opera lover’s bucket list.
Boston Opera House
The Boston Opera House, or Citizens Bank Opera House, is a beautiful historic arts venue in downtown Boston. It was built in 1928 and was originally used as a movie palace before being converted into an opera house in the 1980s. The venue has hosted an array of different productions throughout the years, including operas, ballets, musicals and concerts.
It seats over 2,500 people and includes stunning Art Deco architecture and design. It is considered one of the best art venues in the country, and for many, it is a must-visit location for anyone interested in the arts.
Santa Fe Opera House
The Santa Fe Opera House is an open-air location in Santa Fe, New Mexico. It was first established in 1957 and has since become a renowned venue for opera performances in the country. The opera house is built at the top of a hill, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountain areas and desert landscape.
It has a unique, modernist design and state-of-the-art acoustics, allowing the audience to enjoy the open venue without compromising on their experience. A summer festival season is held each year, which features a wide range of operas and other musical performances to enjoy.
Lyric Opera of Chicago
The Lyric Opera of Chicago is located in the heart of downtown Chicago and is famous for its world-class musical productions and an array of talented performers. This impressive venue can seat 3,560 people and hosts over 60 performances and productions each year.
The institution is committed to presenting opera in a way that is not only accessible by all but is able to draw in and engage audiences of all ages and walks of life.
Winspear Opera House
The Winspear Opera House in Dallas, Texas, is known for hosting incredible opera musical performances. It is part of the AT&T Performing Arts Center and is named after Margot and Bill Winspear, who donated a mammoth $42 million to build it.
The venue was opened in 2009 and has a maximum capacity of 2,200. Alongside opera productions, it features a variety of other performances, including ballets, concerts and Broadway shows. With its stunning architecture and sophisticated acoustics, a visit here won’t leave you disappointed.
Houston Grand Opera
Located in Houston, Texas, the Houston Grand Opera (HGO) is the only opera in the world to have won a Tony award, two Grammys, and two Emmy awards. Founded in 1955, the company presents a full season of productions and performances annually, which includes classic and contemporary operas, as well as commissions and world premiers.
HGO is dedicated to musical education and community outreach and provides a wide range of programs and initiatives to engage audiences and give back to their community.
Cincinnati Music Hall
The Cincinnati Music Hall is a historic venue for opera and other musical performances. It is located in the Over-the-Rhine neighbourhood and was initially built in 1878. It plays home to the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, the Pops Orchestra, the Cincinnati Opera and the Ballet.
Thanks to its decades of history, visitors will be treated to incredible architecture, which features a beautiful blend of Gothic and Renaissance Styles. The opera house is an official National Historic Landmark but underwent a significant renovation in 2017 to modernise the acoustic offerings and amenities.
San Fransico Opera
The San Fransico Opera House is located in the city’s Civic Center neighbour. It is well-known for its spectacular architecture and sublime acoustics. It seats a large audience of 3,150 and puts on more than 70 productions annually.
The San Francisco Opera House prides itself on hosting a diverse range of operas, from classic works to modern masterpieces, attracting attendees from many different backgrounds.
Seattle Opera
The Seattle Opera, located in Washington State, is home to one of the leading opera companies in the United States. It was built in 1927 and underwent a major renovation in the early 2000s.
It seats 2,800 and features sophisticated and modern acoustics and production facilities. Not only does the location hold operas throughout the years, but it also hosts various concerts and other musical performances.
Feature image: Photo by Enric Domas on Unsplash