The Old Opera is one of the most photographed landmarks of the city. Yet the opera house, which opened in 1880 and was destroyed in March 1944, has been much more than just a beautiful photo backdrop since its reopening on August 28, 1981 at the latest. The elegant concert and congress house offers about 400 events per year, from classical, jazz or pop concerts, special concerts and workshops for kids or big musical guest performances, to congresses or splendid galas like the Hessian Film and Television Award.
The Alte Oper, a representative building from the Wilhelminian period, found its origin in a donation from wealthy Frankfurt citizens. On 20 October 1880, the opera house, which was built in seven years according to the plans of the Berlin architect Richard Lucae, was ceremoniously inaugurated. Mozart's opera Don Juan was performed. Among the guests of honour was Kaiser Wilhelm I.
Until its destruction towards the end of the Second World War, the Frankfurt Opera House saw eight artistic directors, numerous first performances, renowned soloists and world-famous composers. The latest operas by Wagner were performed, and names such as Bizet, Leoncavallo, Puccini, Mascagni, Smetana, Richard Strauss and Humperdinck made their mark on the programme.
After the war, a debate flared up for years about whether the Alte Oper should be rebuilt in its original state or whether the ruins should be torn down.
The mayor of Frankfurt at the time, Rudi Arndt, even wanted to blow up the opera house. In the vernacular he received for it the name "Dynamit-Rudi". Arndt later claimed that he had never seriously proposed the demolition.
The project failed due to the resistance of Frankfurt's citizens. A citizens' initiative was formed and raised 15 million marks in donations by the time of the reopening.
Thus, the Alte Oper was ceremoniously reopened on August 28, 1981, with Gustav Mahler's 8th Symphony.
The wood-panelled Great Hall with its excellent acoustics holds about 2500 spectators.
In addition, there is the Mozart Hall with about 700 seats, which is used for chamber music, and a number of smaller halls for congress purposes.
The catering also meets upmarket standards with the Café "Rosso" in the entrance foyer and the Restaurant "Opéra" in the Old Foyer.
Today, the Alte Oper has once again become the cultural centre of the city, with over 300 concerts and around 50 events a year, including glittering gala evenings such as the Opera Ball.
The spacious Opera Square invites you to linger
With its Lucae Fountain, benches and trees, it is reminiscent of an Italian piazza, especially in fine weather.
Street cafés all around give ample opportunity for leisure.
Young and old meet here to gossip, be seen, or even just to cool their feet in the fountain when the weather is nice.
During the summer months, festivals and events, such as the Opera Square Festival or the Opera Games, take place on the picturesque Opera Square.
It is also regularly used for outdoor concerts and sporting events.
The Alte Oper's extensive programme of concerts and events can be found on the internet at <link http: www.alteoper.de _blank>www.alteoper.de
Address
Alte Oper Frankfurt · Opernplatz 1, 60313 Frankfurt am Main
Tel. (069) 13400, · Tickets (069) 1340400
Opening hours: The Alte Oper opens its doors to the public one hour before the start of the event.
Text from: Frankfurt-Tipp.de
