Bolshoi Theatre, Moscow – Ballet
 
Renowned for spearheading the development of Russia’s performing arts culture, and consequently considered a hugely important and iconic symbol of Russian society, the Bolshoi is Russia’s primary national theatre. First opened in 1856 on Tsar Alexander II’s coronation day, this breathtaking building was a regular haunt of the imperial Romanov family. Its most beautiful, historical imperial features and décor have been preserved and restored by recent refurbishment and meticulous renovation, reversing the changes made during the Soviet era, so that its authentic grandeur still prevails to this day. Acoustic renovation was also undertaken, modernising the theatre’s audio technology and creating the opportunity for awe-inspiring sound. Classic, palatial elegance is created by the hushed ivory tones, soaring ceilings, intricate and ornate fretwork and glittering chandeliers of the foyer, and the gold gilding and crimson upholstery within the theatre itself create a regal atmosphere in which to enjoy the mesmerising movements of the Bolshoi Ballet.
 
Experience world-famous, classic ballets including Swan Lake, The Nutcracker and The Sleeping Beauty, which features enchanting music by Tchaikovsky, or marvel as your favourite Shakespearean works, including Hamlet, Romeo and Juliet and The Taming of the Shrew are brought to life through enthralling dance. Russian classics and special commissions are also presented here, offering a unique and exclusive opportunity to experience the art of this Russian tradition in its purest form, performed by one of the oldest and most acclaimed ballet companies in the world. The Bolshoi truly allows you to immerse yourself in Russia’s rich culture and fascinating history.  
 
http://www.bolshoi.ru/en/
 
Moulin Rouge, Paris – Cabaret
 
Described by those who know it best as “the original home of decadence, glamour and Belle Epoque morals” (Moulin Rouge, 2013), the Moulin Rouge is known the world over as perhaps the liveliest, boldest and most ostentatious performance hall of all time. The sultry and lavish atmosphere and décor of the building housing “the most famous cabaret in the world” (Moulin Rouge, 2013) preserves the glamour and enchantment of a by-gone age; one in which the glittering cabaret house was a favourite haunt of legendary painter Toulouse-Lautrec, and the Cancan was a mesmerising new dance. Becoming legendary on the French entertainment scene since its opening in 1889, many of the biggest names in music have found a temporary home on its stage, with past performance royalty including Ella Fitzgerald, Ray Charles, Hollywood heroines Lauren Bacall and Ginger Rogers and a young Edith Piaf, who first rose to prominence here.
 
Today, mesmerising cabaret show Feerie is the most fabulous way to experience a venue and an evening truly steeped in fascinating Parisian history. Lose yourself amongst the vibrant colours, extravagant costumes and abundant talent of 80 performers as they entertain to original music on sets designed by outstanding Italian artists. Enjoy the festivities from a private VIP balcony, which guarantees each privileged patron unobstructed views, space and a refreshing distance from the majority of the crowd. Skip the entry queues and enjoy a gourmet dinner, or champagne, macaroons and chocolates from distinguished patisserie Dalloyau, the preferred choice of Louis XIV and his fellow French aristocrats.
 
http://www.moulinrouge.fr/?lang=en
 
Teatro alla Scala, Milan – Opera
 
Built to replace the original Royal Ducal Theatre, which burned down in 1776, Teatro alla Scala opened in 1778, and steadily became one of the world’s leading opera and ballet theatres in its own right. Its grand but understated exterior, designed by acclaimed neoclassical architect, Giuseppe Piermarini, glows golden in the evening, hinting at the decadence to be found within. Opera plays a titanic role in Italian cultural history, originating there between the 16^th and 17^th Centuries, and many of the country’s most prolific opera singers have performed on the stage of ‘La Scala’, as it is commonly known amongst locals.
 
This breathtakingly extravagant theatre is not only renowned for the phenomenal displays of operatic talent displayed here, but is considered the home of Opera Seria, a traditional Italian style of opera which focuses on serious classical or mythological themes, affording the establishment even greater historical significance. Settle down into the ornate opulence of the vast gold and crimson theatre in a luxurious private box, and lose yourself in staggering performances of operas like Der Rosen Kavalier, conducted by the astounding Zubin Mehtal, or more familiar adaptations like The Turn of the Screw, Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess and Mozart’s enchanting Le Nozze di Figaro. Even putting operas aside, the theatre houses a fascinating museum that boasts one of the most important opera memorabilia collections in the world, and is a much celebrated cultural entity in its own right, rendering it well worth a visit for opera enthusiasts and tourists alike.
 
http://www.teatroallascala.org/en/la-scala/la-scala.html
 
Wiener Musikverein, Vienna – Orchestra
 
Regarded as one of the finest concert halls in the world, the acoustically and visually stunning Wiener Musikverein is the home of the even more greatly revered Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. The enchanting Great Hall, or Großer Musikvereinssaal, is world famous for its spectacular acoustics, and as the setting of the orchestra’s annual New Year’s concert, with tickets in such high demand that patrons are generally selected through a lottery process. Whilst concerts throughout the remainder of the year are incredibly exclusive, those lucky enough to attend can enjoy not only the musical prowess of the resident orchestra, but the orchestral talents of international performers as well, and Vienna Philharmonic’s specialised concerts focusing on works by such classical greats as Mozart, Debussy and Wagner.
 
Whilst it may appear that the regal interior of the Musikverein is dedicated more to aesthetic grandeur than acoustic accomplishment, many features of the sumptuous décor, from the Renaissance-style painted ceiling panels to the gilded gold female statues bordering the room actually greatly influence the phenomenal sound this hall is known for. Previously referred to as the ‘Eldorado of classical music’ (Vienna Classic, 2015), it is undoubtedly the plethora of gilt-edged balconies and cornices, and the presence of many glittering crystal chandeliers, along with the musical gold to be enjoyed within these walls, that are responsible for such a metaphor. The ancient Greek-style neoclassical architecture of this exquisite theatre’s exterior, designed by Danish architect, Theophil Hansen, is almost as imposing as the talent of its performers.
 
https://www.musikverein.at/
 
 

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