Kiev's National Opera House - fire, assassination, and world-class artists

Ukraine’s opera house in Kiev, named after Taras Shevchenko, is formally called the Taras Shevchenko Ukrainian National Opera House. Established in 1867, it was initially called the City Theatre.

As with many opera houses around the world, Kiev’s opera house has had its fair share of history. On February 2, 1896, the City Theatre collapsed in flames, burnt to the ground as a result of a candle in the theatre. Afterwards, an international design competition was announced and Victor Schroter had the winning proposal. Built in neo-Renaissance style with additions, he redesigned the interior to include a classical style. Located in the centre of the city, Kievers, or Kievans, have easy access to the grand house and its many internationally renowned artists. The stage is said to be one of the largest in Europe. In September 1901 it was re-opened. Ten years later, in September 1911, Dmitry Bogrov killed Prime Minister Pyotr Stolypin during intermission.

http://www.inkyiv.info/travel/opera/

MARTINA NICOLLS is an international aid and development consultant, and the author of:- The Shortness of Life: A Mongolian Lament (2015), Liberia’s Deadest Ends (2012), Bardot’s Comet (2011), Kashmir on a Knife-Edge (2010) and The Sudan Curse (2009).

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