Grand Théâtre de Genève — Attraction in Geneva

A great building that has a mix of classical and modern architectural features that deserves much the performances than the current ones. The current repertoire inclines towards modern, shocking and bizarre with no classic or neo classic pieces. The original Opera Theatre (Theatre Rosimond) was built in 1760s. It was a wooden structure and was nicknamed 'a barn for foreingers', as at that time the Calvin's religeous influence prohibiting music and theatre was strong, so all fun was 'foreign'. In 1768 this 'barn' perished in the fire and in 1783 on the current Rue de la Croix a new theatre - le Theatre de Neuve -was built. However, it was too small and badly equipped. In 1880 it was demolished and a construction of a new opera theatre -Grand Theatre de Geneva - began, the money for which were taken from the fortune of the Duke of Brunswick who donated it to the city in his will. In 1951 the fire broke and destroyed big part of the theatre. The remaining classical parts are the front of the theatre and the interiors of the foyer and the 1st (European 2nd floor) featuring chandaliers, frescos, marble staircase, some parts of which being a painted marble, and a restored parquet floor. The themes of the classic interior paintings and decorations like the masks on the chandaliers are the ones connected to the theatre word - musical instruments, masks of comedy and drama and the real and fantasy worlds that unite in a theatrical performance. The parts of the theatre where rehearsal studios, the stage and auditorium hall, and bar are located belong to the modern period. These parts were completely rebuilt after the fire in 1951. The ceiling of the auditorium hall is of the design of the Polish artist. It depicts universe with stars and constelations and is made of a metal sheets. In 2017-2018 the theatre underwent renovation, mostly of the classic parts...

Even though I really want to see Khovantchina from Moussorgskii, I think I will withhold that wish, as recently Grand Theatre de Geneve did nothing but disappoint. I have seen two pieces this season (La Clémence de Titus and Salome) and they were both heavily yet badly politicized. Introducing modern politics and its actors into art is not borderline, but plain propaganda. Unfortunately for the directors, most of the public of Geneva who chose to spend their money at Geneva’s opera is obviously a level up in its comprehension of things and was seating with sad grins on their faces not understanding why are they getting a lesson of high mathematics from a vocals teacher. Me included. On top of being wildly irrelevant, both times the parallels between opera characters and real characters were done so bad, the initial leftist message they contained was very weak. Hence the double fail - the beautiful classic piece was ruined for nothing and the attempt to bring propaganda into the minds of public became a sad show of absurd. Of course I can meticulously explain why bad, why not relevant, why wrong, but it’s not the place to discuss it as opera is not the place to proclaim your personal subjective opinion onto masses. To conclude, I can afford to go, but I am not going on principle to this establishment because I am scared what awaits me there. Make opera great again and then I...

It's a luxury I can't resist! Always good productions, à mix of creations and partnerships....Going there is an event although I really look forward to being back to Place Neuve because although the acoustics are great and I love my seat at Opéra des Nations, the halls are underdimensioned and overcrowded. It wasn't a problem when it was used at the Comédie Française because it was in the glorious Palais Royal gardens, surrounded by lovely cafés...but in this international organizations "no man's land" it becomes a...