Odesa Opera and Ballet Theatre

Odesa National Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre is among the most beautiful theatres in the world. Forbes magazine included Odеsa Opera in the list of the most remarkable sights of Eastern Europe.

The theatre was built over three years (from 1884 to 1887) according to the design of the Viennese architects F. Fellner and G. Helmer, which was equipped with the latest technology. This is the first opera house built in Ukraine, which from the very beginning of its existence played a significant role in the cultural life of Europe. It was here that such famous and popular operas as Rossini’s The Barber of Seville, Donizetti’s Lucia di Lammermoor and Puccini’s Tosca were performed for the first time in Ukraine.

Odesa National Opera today is a cultural center of southern Ukraine, where the first performances of works by modern Ukrainian composers are held; it is a laboratory of creative ideas, innovation and experimentation based on glorious traditions.

The modern repertoire of Odesa Opera includes more than 80 performances: world masterpieces of opera and ballet, works of national authors and exclusive projects, special educational and artistic programmes for the youngest spectators and organ recitals. For 9 years now, the theatre has been holding the International Arts Festival Velvet Season at the Odesa Opera, which has become a landmark event in the cultural life of Ukraine.

Odesa Opera is a full member of international and domestic theatre associations, in particular Opera Europa. The theatre's has been honoured with numerous tours of its troupe including to Belgium, Germany, Greece, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain and USA.