Vlaamse Opera (Flemish Opera), Antwerp
The Vlaamse Opera is the Flemish Opera financed by the Flemish Government and the city councils of Antwerp and Ghent. Directed by Aviel Cahn, this single opera company performs in both, Antwerp as well as Ghent. The Opera is carrying forward the trend of one opera company performing in two historical theatres of the Flemish region set in 1981 by Opera voor Vlaanderen.
The history of opera in Antwerp dates back to 1661 when performances were held at the Grote Markt. The influence of the French artists in the performance troupes led to the adoption of French as the official language for all performances. A theatre was first constructed in 1709 and even enjoyed royal patronage between the years 1815 鈥� 1829. However, it never garnered the attention it deserved and was never big enough to entertain a large crowd. It was only in 1834 that a new theatre was built to this effect and is used to this date for theatre performances. After many discussions, work for renovation of the theatre was finally taken up in 2005 at a budget of 24 million euros. The seating in the main auditorium, office spaces for the theatre and a new heating system were put in place. Much of the renovation work still remains but the Vlaamse Opera鈥檚 contemporary performances are being conducted in the renovated building since 2007. The Opera never ceases to amaze its audience whether they are in Ghent or in Antwerp or whether they are performing a classic or something altogether anew.
The history of opera in Antwerp dates back to 1661 when performances were held at the Grote Markt. The influence of the French artists in the performance troupes led to the adoption of French as the official language for all performances. A theatre was first constructed in 1709 and even enjoyed royal patronage between the years 1815 鈥� 1829. However, it never garnered the attention it deserved and was never big enough to entertain a large crowd. It was only in 1834 that a new theatre was built to this effect and is used to this date for theatre performances. After many discussions, work for renovation of the theatre was finally taken up in 2005 at a budget of 24 million euros. The seating in the main auditorium, office spaces for the theatre and a new heating system were put in place. Much of the renovation work still remains but the Vlaamse Opera鈥檚 contemporary performances are being conducted in the renovated building since 2007. The Opera never ceases to amaze its audience whether they are in Ghent or in Antwerp or whether they are performing a classic or something altogether anew.
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Vlaamse Opera (Flemish Opera) on Map
Sight Name: Vlaamse Opera (Flemish Opera)
Sight Location: Antwerp, Belgium (See walking tours in Antwerp)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Antwerp, Belgium (See walking tours in Antwerp)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Antwerp, Belgium
Create Your Own Walk in Antwerp
Creating your own self-guided walk in Antwerp is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Antwerp's Historical Churches Tour
Antwerp, a city steeped in history and culture, boasts an array of historical churches that stand as testaments to its past.
Reigning supreme among them is the Cathedral of Our Lady, a stunning 14th-century Gothic masterpiece. Its towering spire dominates the city skyline and houses invaluable artworks by renowned artists such as Peter Paul Rubens, Otto van Veen, Jacob de Backer, and Marten de... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
Reigning supreme among them is the Cathedral of Our Lady, a stunning 14th-century Gothic masterpiece. Its towering spire dominates the city skyline and houses invaluable artworks by renowned artists such as Peter Paul Rubens, Otto van Veen, Jacob de Backer, and Marten de... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
Antwerp Introduction Walking Tour
A major city-port on the River Scheldt in Belgium, Antwerp is known primarily as the diamond capital of Europe. For centuries, Antwerp's Diamond District has been the center of diamond trade, with thousands of dealers, cutters and polishers processing 85% of the world's rough diamonds each year.
Historical Antwerp has its origins in a Gallo-Roman settlement, first mentioned in the 4th... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles
Historical Antwerp has its origins in a Gallo-Roman settlement, first mentioned in the 4th... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles
Antwerp Historic Center Walk
Antwerp is a bustling metropolis, replete with modern entertainment, yet it is the centuries-old city center that fuels tourists' interest the most. Indeed, downtown Antwerp is steeped in history. So much so, in fact, that to see all that it has to offer, you'll need way more than one day.
Here history awaits you practically round every corner 鈥� seen in the ancient building-fronts... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
Here history awaits you practically round every corner 鈥� seen in the ancient building-fronts... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles