About this Destination
Semperoper represents Dresden operatic crown jewel built by Gottfried Semper opening 1841 featuring eclectic neo-Renaissance architecture combining early Renaissance, Baroque, Greek classical elements with Corinthian pillars. Richard Wagner premiered Rienzi (1842), Flying Dutchman (1843), Tannhäuser (1845) as Royal Court Music Director. Twice destroyed by 1869 fire and 1945 WWII bombing, reconstructed 1878 and 1985 maintaining original plans with modern stage machinery. Home to Sächsische Staatskapelle Dresden founded 1548, world oldest orchestras renowned for excellence. Facade features Panther quadriga, Dionysos statue, portal monuments depicting Goethe, Schiller, Shakespeare, Sophocles, Molière, Euripides. Richard Strauss staged nine premieres including Salome (1905), Elektra (1909), Der Rosenkavalier (1911). Theaterplatz location beside Elbe River forms historic old city centrepiece.