The key works from the opera repertoire, whether "Magic Flute" or "La Traviata", Wagner's "Ring" or Nono's "Intolleranza", are regulars at the Deutsche Oper in Charlottenburg, where a top orchestra and renowned world stars ensure that every performance is one to remember. The largest of Berlin's opera houses impresses with its outstanding acoustics and the special 'democratic' design providing the best view possible, whichever of the 1,865 seats you've booked. Opened in 1961, the Deutsche Oper was built in a classic Bauhaus style.

The opera house "Komische Oper" has developed under chief stage director Harry Kupfer a repertory of it's own in tradition of Walter Felsenstein. In the smallest of Berlin's opera hoses the "realistic" music theatre is cultivated. The operas are given in German language, and also operettas are part of the programme.

The Staatsoper Unter den Linden is one of the world's great opera houses and also one of the most impressive buildings on »Unter den Linden. The building, the first free-standing opera house in Germany, was constructed as the Royal Opera from 1741 to 1743 to plans by Georg Wenzeslaus von Knobelsdorff. Many famous artists have worked for the Staatsoper: Schinkel designed sets for "The Magic Flute", Richard Strauss was once the chief conductor. Until the present day, artists of world standing collaborate on the production of the Staatsoper's great repertory.

Not only do the world famous Berlin Philharmonic play a leading role in Berlin's musical life, they are also in great demand the world over. The orchestra's home is the Philharmonie at the Culture Forum, designed by Hans Scharoun. Over the years, this major orchestra has worked with some of the greatest conductors ever: Hans von Bülow, Arthur Nikisch, Wilhelm Furtwängler, Sergiu Celibidache, Herbert von Karajan and Claudio Abbado, who passed over the baton to Sir Simon Rattle in autumn 2002. Guided tours daily at 1pm (3 Euro pp, 2 Euro reduced admission, free entrance for pupils)