A pride of Vienna in Austria,  Vienna State Opera is an ancestral opera house that goes way back to the 19th century. Known in the German language today as Wiener Staatsoper, it was originally known as Wiener Hofoper. The original theatre was located in Ringstrasse built in the year 1869. Known as the opera house with the largest repertoire in the world, Vienna State Opera is an epitome of magnificence.
Vienna Philharmonic is a renowned incorporated independent society whose members are recruited from Vienna State Opera. The opera house’s history carries the legacy of a number of musicians whose production has brought laurels to Staatsoper. The fame of the opera house started with the productions of Wagner’s cycle Der Ring des Nibelungen from the year 1880 to 1896. Soon after came composer Gustav Mahler who carried the opera fame to one of the highest points in its history. The opera house continued to function under the conductorship of Clemens Krauss and Felix Weingartner from 1908 to 1938 until the annexation of Austria took place by Germany.
In the year 1945, towards the end of the World War II, the opera house was destroyed by the Americans by bombarding it and setting it alight. This was a major setback to the peaceful functioning of the opera house with the auditorium, stage, decor and props of more than 120 operas having above 1,50,000 costumes blazing with flames. Soon after that, the Vienna State Opera was temporarily set up at Theater an der Wien and at the Vienna Volksoper. Following this devastating incident, it was a matter of huge debate if Vienna State Opera must be restored in its original location or must it be completely demolished and rebuilt either in the same or another location. After much discussions and contemplation, it was finally decided for Vienna State Opera to be restored and rebuilt where it stands today carrying a history and a thousand stories.
Having more than 50 productions staged every year with around 10 ballet productions with approximately 300 regular performances throughout the year, Wiener Staatsoper is a miraculous piece of architecture creating the most wondrous enactments through its platform. It has above 1000 employees and an annual operating budget of around 100 million Euros with 50% support from state subsidy. A pride of the nation and a historical monument witnessing the generations and representing them with their flawless productions, the Wiener Staatsoper is one of the must visit places in Austria.