London: Royal Opera House, Covent Garden

The Royal Opera House at Covent Garden, London's largest venue for opera and ballet, is home to the Royal Ballet, Royal Opera and ROH Orchestra. Originally called Theatre Royal at Covent Garden, the theater opened in 1732 and functioned primarily as a playhouse. During its history, productions in London were extremely varied, ranging from concerts, caberet, and acrobatics to opera and ballet. In 1892, the theater was officially named the Royal Opera House.

Sadler's Wells Ballet became the resident ballet company, in 1946, beginning its tenure with a performance of The Sleeping Beauty. That same year the Covent Garden Opera Company and the ballet company together presented, The Fairy Queen. The following year, the opera company performed Carmen for the first time.

The Royal Opera House at Covent Garden in London recently completed a major, three-year renovation, which restored its lush auditorium of crimson and gold to its original splendor. The overhaul has given the public two performing spaces, in addition to the main auditorium, where chamber music, experimental dance, and educational programs are staged. The stunning floral hall, also restored, provides pre-show dining as well as popular tea dances. Also, huge, state-of-the-art backstage facilities and rehearsal halls were built. Each day, the theater gives tours of the backstage areas, which are reason enough to visit the Royal Opera House.