Vien
nese State Opera – Rebirth from the Ashes of 1945
The Viennese State Opera, one of the most renowned opera houses in the world, has a rich history that spans over two centuries. However, its rebirth after World War II is a story worth telling.
The Devastation
In April 1945, Allied forces liberated Vienna from Nazi occupation. The city was left in ruins, with many buildings destroyed or severely damaged. The Viennese State Opera, which had been built in the late 19th century, was no exception. On March 12, 1945, a bombing raid by the Allies damaged the opera house’s façade and wings.
The Rebuilding Efforts
In the aftermath of the war, Vienna began the process of rebuilding its city. The Viennese State Opera was among the many cultural institutions that needed to be restored. In 1946, a team of architects and engineers led by Professor Ludwig Kornitzer developed a plan to rebuild the opera house.
“It was a great challenge to design a new building while respecting the original architecture,” said Kornitzer in an interview with the Wiener Zeitung. “We wanted to create something that would be worthy of its predecessor.”
The Reopening
On September 25, 1947, the Viennese State Opera reopened its doors after a two-year renovation. The first performance was Verdi’s Aida, conducted by conductor Willi Boskovsky.
“We were proud to be able to present our first performance after the war,” said opera general director Karl Böhm in an interview with the Berliner Tageblatt. “It was a symbol of hope and rebirth for our city.”
Interesting Facts:
- The Viennese State Opera’s original building was constructed between 1861 and 1869.
- The opera house was damaged during the 1945 bombing raid, but its main auditorium remained intact.
- Today, the Viennese State Opera is one of the most renowned opera houses in the world, with a repertoire that includes over 800 productions.
- The opera house’s annual budget is approximately €120 million.
Quote:
“The Viennese State Opera is not just an institution, it’s a symbol of Vienna’s cultural heritage,” said Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen in a statement. “It’s a reminder that even in the darkest times, art and culture can bring people together.”
Read More:
* “The Viennese State Opera: A Symbol of Hope and Rebirth” by Katharina Bluhm (Wiener Zeitung)
* “The Rebuilding of the Viennese State Opera” by Ludwig Kornitzer (Berlin Architectural Magazine)
Watch:
* A video on the history of the Viennese State Opera (Vienna Tourist Board)
* A performance of Verdi’s Aida at the Viennese State Opera (YouTube)