Shanghai's new opera house opened with a concert, not an opera, featuring global stars and Chinese composers. The venue's open roof invites public access.
Gala concert at new Shanghai opera house
Shanghai opened its new opera house with a concert featuring international and Chinese performers. Juan Diego Flórez, Siobhan Stagg, Liao Changyong, and Shi Yijie performed alongside three conductors, Zhang Guoyong, Yu Long, and Xu Zhong, presenting a mix of classical and Chinese music.Design of the Shanghai Grand Opera House
The Shanghai Grand Opera House, designed by Norwegian firm Snøhetta with Chinese collaborators, features a white structure shaped like an unfolded fan. It includes three performance halls and a public spiral staircase leading to a rooftop promenade overlooking the Huangpu River.Opera season highlights
The inaugural season of the opera house will include 47 productions and 82 performances until February 2027. Notable performances include Tosca by La Fenice, Aida by the Mariinski, and Der Rosenkavalier by the Berlin Staatsoper, all of which will be their first presentations in Asia.Public access to the opera house roof
One of the most unique aspects of the opera house is its open roof, which serves as a public space. Visitors can ascend to the rooftop without a ticket, even when no performances are taking place.
