“Life would be flat without music; it is the background to all that I do,” Beethoven famously said. And indeed, the soundtracks of our everyday lives can make all the difference to an atmosphere or ambience. We’ve compiled a selection of the finest, most exhilarating operatic and classical performances for you to experience at your leisure, as well as enchanting ballet performances to see online.
The Berliner Philharmonie
Founded in Germany’s capital in 1882, the virtuosity of world-class ensemble The Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra can be felt in each and every of its concerts, usually performed at the Berliner Philharmonie, within easy reach of Hotel de Rome. Enjoy performances both live-streamed and dating back to 2008 through its Digital Concert Hall, including works by Mahler, Beethoven, Stravinsky and more.
The Royal Opera House
Covent Garden’s collonaded landmark, The Royal Opera House, home of The Royal Opera, The Royal Ballet and The Orchestra of The Royal Opera House, is one of London’s principal venues for aficionados of the arts. Whilst its doors are closed, and the red curtain drawn, discover exquisite performances from all of its companies, including Così fan tutte and The Metamorphosis, streamed across a range of online and radio channels. Explore the regularly updated programme here.
Munich National Theatre
Home of the Bavarian State Opera company, a highlight of Munich’s flourishing operatic scene, this theatre sees over 40 operas spanning five centuries performed annually, as well as diverse ballets, concerts and recitals. Though its 2,101 seats are empty for now, its online schedule is a thrilling alternative for those wishing to savour the celestial strains of these celebrated musicians at home. Tune in for concerts featuring lieder, solo instrumentalists and chamber music, to whet your appetite for future performances upon a visit to The Charles Hotel.
The Mariinsky Theatre
Occupying prestigious address 1 Theatre Square, Imperial landmark the Mariinsky Theatre (formerly the Kirov) is home to the Mariinsky Ballet, Opera and Orchestra, arguably three of Russia’s finest companies. Playing a key role in the Festival of the Stars of The White Nights and many others, regularly hosting stars including Placido Domingo and performing timeless classics daily, it’s the heart of the cultural capital and easily reached from Hotel Astoria. In the meantime, enjoy its online streaming service for live and recorded operatic, orchestral and ballet performances.
The Berlin State Opera
This prestigious company calls the Staatsoper Unter den Linden, just across the square from Hotel de Rome, it's home. Whilst it’s not currently possible to experience the gilt grandeur of its storied auditorium, the company is streaming live performances online, with a monthly programme including time-honoured classics such as Carmen and Medea, ballet productions including The Nutcracker and symphonic performances such as the Brahms Cycle from Buenos Aires.
The blooms of Munich’s Old Botanical Garden fill the city air with a sweet aroma. At the edge of this green lung sits The Charles Hotel, whose recently refreshed rooms capture the garden’s essence. Olga Polizzi, Director of Design at Rocco Forte Hotels, takes us through the finer details.
Paris is always a good idea. Except, perhaps, when it’s hosting the Olympic Summer Games, and the usual tourist throng looks set to multiply almost prohibitively. Of course, the Games are exciting, but if wading through crowds feels like a marathon effort, try a cultural relay around one of these stunning European cities instead.
As the gentle glow of each ornate chandelier begins to dim, a hush descends upon the audience before an all-consuming world of tragedy and triumph unfolds. Both exhilarating and deeply moving, a night at the opera has the distinct power to evoke emotion, while offering a unique insight into a perhaps unfamiliar city.
Journey through Europe’s symphony of unmissable opera houses, each steeped in history and grandeur.
