Following a laborious restoration lasting eight years and costing 62 million euro, the Fenice theatre in Venice returns to its former splendour. And the inaugural programme has not been chosen at random, “Consecration of the House” by Beethoven conducted by Riccardo Muti yesterday night started of a week of concerts. At the end of the week, the theatre will close again until 12 November 2004.

The history of the Venice theatre is long and difficult – it was built in 1792 and then destroyed by fire in 1836. Rebuilt the following year it was then destroyed by fire again 29 January 1996. The rebuilding project was commissioned to Aldo Rossi who then died the following year. His plan was to reorganise the existing space creating new areas by exploiting the underground part of the theatre.

After eight years and three contracts to different building firms, the result is a completely renovated Fenice. Two aspects in particular feature in the new theatre, the technological core made from optic fibre and a number of spaces which previously did not exist. The new hall designed by Aldo Rossi reproducing the Basilica Palladiana, the extra rehearsal rooms fitted in under the stage, six metres below water level, and a gallery for exhibitions created by the conversion of a number of old workshops.

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