London

Discover opera and classical music in London!

London is the perfect classical destination for any music lover. The British metropolis is known the world over for its opera...

What to do in London?

What are the shows to see in London this season?

London offers a myriad of captivating experiences. Visit the iconic Big Ben and Buckingham Palace for a glimpse of royal history. 

Discover the British Museum, home to world treasures, and explore renowned art galleries such as the Tate Modern. 

Stroll through charming districts such as Covent Garden for a lively, artistic atmosphere. Sail on the River Thames for a unique view of the city, or enjoy the panorama from the London Eye. 

Finally, sample London's culinary diversity with a visit to Borough Market for delicious food from all corners of the globe.     

London and music 

The origins of English opera can be traced back to the tradition of "masques" (scenic and musical entertainments) and Elizabethan theater. The genre's first composer was Henry Purcell ( 1659-1695), who created Dido and Aeneas in 1689. After his death, opera was brought into line with Italian fashion under the influence of Handel, who became director of the Royal Academy of Music in 1719.

The first Covent Garden opened in 1732. It was here that Handel created Alcina, Ariodante, Serse... It became the Royal Italian Opera, where works were sung in Italian. After another fire in 1856, the third building opened on May 15, 1858 with Meyerbeer's Les Huguenots.

In 1892, it became the Royal Opera House, perhaps to better accommodate works from the international repertoire in their original language. Closed from 1914 to 1918, Covent Garden was only a "dance palace" during the Second World War. The current theatre was completely renovated in 1995.

The Sadler's Well Theater in North London was renovated in 1925. From 1931, it housed an opera and ballet company. In 1945, it premiered Benjamin Britten's Peter Grimes. In 1968, the company moved to the London Coliseum, where it later became known as English National Opera. The company is renowned for its extensive repertoire sung in English.

The South Bank Centre is a complex of cultural spaces comprising three auditoriums: the Royal Festival Hall, the Queen Elizabeth Hall and the Purcell Room. It was created to rehabilitate a disused area south of the Thames in 1951. It blends in with the old quarters and overlooks the riverbanks.

Finally, the Royal Albert Hall is a monument to the glory of the British Empire. Opened in March 1871, the arena-shaped hall can host concerts and sporting events. This particular layout allows the public to wander around the hall and meet the musicians during the interval at the famous Henry Wood Promenade Concerts, open to a more modest audience.

Today, the Proms take place every summer in different venues around London.

London is waiting for you! Book your Royal Opera House opera or concert tickets now!