Lithuanian Opera Tour

Opera arts in Lithuania were born at the beginning of the 17th century. 36 years have passed as the opera genre was born in Florence, and on September 4, 1636, the first opening night of the opera "Il Ratto di Helena" by playwright Virgilio Puccitelli and an unknown composer was produced at the Vilnius Lower Castle. The first Lithuanian opera "Birutė" by Mikas Petrauskas and Gabrielius Landsbergis Žemkalnis was produced in 1906.

The first opening night, which was the opera "La Traviata" by Giuseppe Verdi, took place on December 31, 1920.

Famous Lithuanian singers such as Kipras Petrauskas and Adelė Galaunienė took part in this production under the baton of Juozas Tallat-Kelpša. Thus the Lithuanian National Opera and Ballet Theatre became the biggest theatre in Lithuania fostering opera and ballet arts.

While reviewing the repertory of the theatre the proportional arrangement of different national schools is obvious. Though the biggest part of the repertory usually consists of the opuses by Italian and French romanticists and verists

At the present moment, the opera company of the theatre consists of 31 soloists. The theatre often invites different soloists from abroad to perform parts in the productions of the theatre and also receives a lot of guest performers. Many opera soloists have worked on probation in different opera centers in Milan, Sofia, and elsewhere.

They also are laureates of international competitions, often invited to different worldwide famous theatres. During the season (September - June) the opera company performs approximately 20 productions and premieres 2 performances on average. About 10 operas are performed per month. Gift yourself a splendid evening at the opera!

Day 1: VILNIUS

Arrive at Vilnius airport. Transfer to the hotel. Check-in.

In the evening optional: opera performance in Lithuanian National Opera and Ballet Theatre.

OVERNIGHT: Vilnius

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Day 2: VILNIUS-TRAKAI-VILNIUS (50 km)

After breakfast walk a city tour of Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania for more than 600 years. The tour includes Cathedral Square, St.Ann, and Bernardines’ Church, the Gates of Dawn with the holy image of the Virgin Mary, Russian Orthodox Church of the Holy Spirit, Town Hall Square, and Vilnius University (founded in 1579) with St. John’s Church.

Optional: Visit Lithuanian National Opera and Ballet Theatre. During the tour, you will have the opportunity to come to know about the foundation's history of the Lithuanian National Opera and Ballet Theatre, its activities and structure, and the work of the various departments of theater. You will learn about the formation of opera in Italy and the first performance of the opera in the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania, as well as the development of opera in Lithuania.

Behind the scenes to will learn about the scene equipment, the process of performance, and inspect during the performances used props and will have a look at costumes storage, rehearsal rooms, scenery workshop.

Afternoon optional trip to Trakai (25 km from Vilnius), the former capital of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. Visit the insular castle of the 14th century, erected on a small island in the Lake Galve. Return to Vilnius.

In the evening optional: opera performance in Lithuanian National Opera and Ballet Theatre.

OVERNIGHT: Vilnius

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Day 3: VILNIUS

Breakfast. Transfer to Vilnius airport. End of the tour.

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