Teatro La Fenice: a story for the ages

The story of the Teatro La Fenice opera house in Venice is a rich, age-old one steeped in grandeur and wonderful works of art that have been shared with the world and renewed over the centuries. Founded in 1792, the theatre became a leading venue in the 19th century for the debut of operas by masters such as Gioachino Rossini, Gaetano Donizetti and Giuseppe Verdi. One of the world’s most beautiful theatres in one of its most enchanting cities, Teatro La Fenice continued—building on a reputation built up over decades—to prosper with its repertoire into the 20th century, with a number of hugely success world premieres.  

Part of what keeps this proud tradition alive are the theatre's skilled workers. There are currently 300 permanent employees at the theatre, serving beauty and culture with their exceptional skills and craftsmanship each day. Elsewhere, the orchestra has ninety-eight members and the choir has sixty-six. And, of course, there are dressmakers, electricians, sound engineers, riggers and administrative staff.  

The story of Teatro La Fenice is also a symbol of remarkable resolve in the face of adversity: in 1996, the theatre fell victim to a terrible fire and was literally reborn from the ashes in a reconstruction that, today, further elevates the theatre's flawless acoustics for its 1000-seat audience. 

Thanks to the commitment of the Teatro La Fenice Foundation, the glorious history of the theatre continues with over 100 opera performances each year and a sophisticated symphony season, with a close eye kept on the most exciting artistic impulses of the present and on the promotion of young talents.