Teatro Colón

The Teatro Colón first opened in 1857 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, but reopened in 1908 after reconstruction with a performance of Aïda. In the beginning, the theatre recruited opera companies from other countries, but as of 1925 it has had its own permanent companies (orchestra, ballet and choir) allowing the theatre to organise its own seasons since the 1930s. Its rich and prestigious history and exceptional acoustics and architectural features ranks it among the best in the world and has attracted some of the most important musicians and dancers of the 20th century, including Igor Stravinsky, Herbert von Karajan, Maria Callas, Luciano Pavarotti, Plácido Domingo, and Rudolf Nureyev. The performances take place amongst a lush rich scarlet and gold décor, and under a beautiful cupola painted by the artist Raúl Soldi in 1966. From 2010 the Teatro Colón has been restored to its original glory, giving an air of distinction to all its productions.