We invite you to the world of spectacular performances, where every movement is poetry and every note plays a role in an epic story. The Baltic Opera is not only a place on the map of Gdańsk - it is a cultural phenomenon that transports its guests to the charming world of opera.
When you come here, you have the chance to feel like one of the heroes of beloved stage masterpieces; here you can witness history written by the greatest voices and choreographic talent.
Are you ready to stand at the threshold of the Baltic Opera and enter a stage full of passion, drama and boundless beauty?
Learn the history of the Baltic Opera in Gdańsk
The Baltic Opera in Gdańsk, with over 70 years of history, is one of the most important centers of musical culture in Poland, and its roots go even deeper. Already in 1646, on the occasion of the arrival of Queen Louise Maria, the first opera performance "Le nozze d'Amore i di Psiche" was performed in Gdańsk. Marco Scacchi. From that moment on, the opera in Gdańsk developed dynamically, becoming an important point on the cultural map of Europe.
The premiere of "Eugene Onegin" is considered to be the beginning of the existence of the opera scene in Gdańsk. Pyotr Tchaikovsky in 1950. This performance was staged by the Opera Studio of the Baltic State Philharmonic, giving rise to a new stage in the history of the opera in Gdańsk.
Over the years of operation, the stage in Gdańsk has hosted 285 premieres of performances, reflecting the diversity and richness of its repertoire. The opera house gained international recognition, being recognized in 2010 by the British BBC television as one of the nine best opera houses in Europe
The opera building in Gdańsk-Wrzeszcz, opened in 1915, has undergone several stages of reconstruction. It was modernized in 1952–1957 and 1973–1982, and in 2003 the auditorium was updated and now seats 476 people, including 56 in the balcony.
An interesting fact is that the building survived World War II without major damage, and to this day it has retained the original wooden ceiling from 1915.
The institution of the Gdańsk Opera, through its activities and contribution to the development of opera art, has become a symbol of musical culture not only in Poland, but also in Europe. It is a place where atmospheric history intertwines with modernity, creating an unforgettable experience for music lovers.
Today there are not only opera performances, but also ballet and symphony concerts.
The most famous performances
The Baltic Opera in Gdańsk, the largest local government cultural institution in northern Poland, has been inspiring and delighting both residents and tourists for years. The Opera's mission is to spread culture and enable the wide audience to experience music and opera theater.
The Opera's educational offer, addressed to various age groups, allows for a fuller understanding and appreciation of the art of opera
In this temple of opera art, each performance is not just a performance, but a real journey through the world of emotions, music and sophisticated scenography. It is a place where history and modernity meet, creating an unforgettable experience for opera lovers.
Among the most famous performances and events that took place at the Opera in Wrzeszcz, several are worth mentioning:
Nabucco" (1986) - This performance gained international recognition, winning the German Critics' Award as the best foreign performance presented on German stages.
"The Rape of Lucretia" (2008) - A play by Benjamin Britten that received two awards at the international opera festival under the patronage of Mezzo TV in Szeged
"Madame Curie" (2011/2012) - World premiere of Elżbieta Sikora's opera, commissioned by the Baltic Opera and presented to the public for the first time in Paris. The film from this performance received the main prize from French publishers "Orfeusz".
"Rothschild's Violin" and "Players" (2012/2013) - Premiere of the works of Shostakovich and his students, including "Rothschild's Violin" Fleischmann, introduced the audience of the Baltic Opera to deep realms of drama and emotion. These two unique performances, showcasing not only Shostakovich's mastery of composition, but also the talent and vision of his students, drew attention to the richness and diversity of Soviet opera music.
"Eugene Onegin" Pyotr Tchaikovsky (1950): The premiere of this performance is considered the beginning of the activity of the modern Baltic Opera, constituting an important milestone in its history
Participation in international projects: The Baltic Opera has participated in numerous international projects, confirming its position as one of the most important opera centers in Europe.
Feel the magic of the opera stage
What is Opera anyway? An opera performance is not just a musical performance; it is a comprehensive work of art that engages all the senses. From the grand arias to the actors' subtle gestures, each element is carefully planned to create a unique story.
In opera performances, music and singing combine to tell a story full of passion, drama and passion. Great operas such asLa Traviata" Verdi, "Carmen" Bizetor 'The Magic Flute' Mozart's, have stood the test of time and continue to delight audiences around the world. These works, exhibited in such famous places as La Scala in Milan, the Metropolitan Opera in New York and the Paris Opera, attract art lovers from all over the world.
The stage in Gdańsk, although perhaps not as recognizable as other famous stages, also offers world-class performances. The voices of outstanding soloists can be heard from its stage, and the repertoire includes both classic masterpieces and modern works combining traditional opera form with new ideas and interpretations.
At the Baltic Opera you will experience how music and singing can move the heart and mind, and each performance becomes not only a presentation of artistic skills, but also a deep emotional experience. This is a place where the magic of opera comes to life, offering unique experiences, bringing unforgettable impressions to both regular opera visitors and those who are just starting their adventure with this genre of art.
Discover the beauty of architecture and acoustics in the building of the Baltic Opera
The building, located on the famous linden alley planted in 1768-1770, is an object with a rich history and exceptional cultural significance.
It was originally built as an entertainment and sports hall in 1915 and has undergone many changes. After World War II, it was adapted into the seat of the opera. Its current shape is the result of reconstructions carried out in the 1950s and 1970s. . The auditorium and balcony were rebuilt, increasing their number of seats to 833 (715 on the ground floor, 118 on the balcony), as well as the stage, which now has dimensions of 19 m x 20 m and a volume of 4,800 m³. Additionally, rehearsal rooms for soloists and an orchestra rehearsal room were created.
In the years 1973-1982, another, this time general, reconstruction of the building was carried out. The new auditorium increased to 240 m² and had 940 seats (540 on the ground floor, 400 on the balcony). The stage was also enlarged to 350 m², and its portal was extended to 15 m wide and 8 m high.
During this time, new lighting bridges were built, acoustician and lighting technician cabins were modernized, and a spacious, glass foyer was created. The last reconstruction and modernization of the building, mainly the auditorium and foyer, took place in 2003.
Thanks to these changes, the Baltic Opera in Gdańsk can boast not only unique architecture, but also excellent acoustics, which makes each performance a real experience for the senses.
It is a place where history combines with modernity, creating unforgettable experiences for opera lovers.
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