see also
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Nordic Opera Tips
COPENHAGEN
Stay:
Nimb
This new boutique hotel in the Tivoli Gardens has 13 suites with fireplaces, plus a dairy, delicatessen, chocolaterie, and several more restaurants—all under one roof.
Bernstorffsgade, 5
45/88-70-00-00
RATES: $840–$1,480
nimb.dk
Front
For a room with a view—of the Opera, of course—check into the Front. With trendy public spaces and understated rooms, it’s handy for exploring Bredgade antique shops or the bars on Nyhavn.
Sankt Annae Plads, 21
45/33-13-34-00
RATES: $260–$420
front.dk
Eat:
Noma
Rene Redzepi’s greatness (and commitment to Nordic ingredients) is no secret, so reserve ahead, then take a short stroll to the new Opera House.
Strandgade, 93
45/32-96-32-97
Hear:
Copenhagen Opera
The stunning 2005 Opera House, on the fairly central island of Holmen, also boasts a rooftop restaurant, with great views of the royal palace, Amalienborg. Some highlights this season: Tristan and Isolde
with Danish tenor Stig Andersen directing and singing the hero, and the world premiere of Danish composer Bo Holten’s melodramic The Visit of the Royal Physician.
Ekvipagemestervej, 10
45/33-69-69-69
operaen.dk
Royal Danish Theatre
Once home to the Royal Drama Company, the Royal Ballet, and the Opera, this lovely 19th-century house now mostly hosts dance. But the Old Stage will get one opera this fall: Handel’s boisterous Partenope, October 4–27.
Kongens Nytorv
45/33-69-69-33
kglteater.dk
HELSINKI
Stay:
Klaus K
The theme here is the Norse epic Kalevala, with rooms categorized under “Mystical,” “Passion,” “Desire,” and “Envy.” There’s a spa and several restaurants, and it’s just a mile and a half up the Manner-heimintie to the Finnish National Opera.
Bulevardi, 2
358/207-704-700
RATES: $210–$380
klauskhotel.com
Eat:
Grotesk
A team of talented chefs from Michelin-starred Demo opened this trendy wine and tapas bar last year. High-end food at reasonable cost in a laid-back setting is a big hit with Helsinki’s art and fashion crowd.
Ludviginkatu, 10
358/104-702-100
Hear:
Alexander Theatre
The Alexander’s range includes opera and dance, and it’s an important venue for the late-summer Helsinki festival. This fall dare to try Kosijan Putti—Così Fan Tutte, in Finnish.
Bulevardi, 23–27
358/967-6980
aleksanterinteatteri.fi
Finnish National Opera
For a real immersion experience, score tickets for The Ostrobothnians, Leevi Madetoja’s 1924 “national opera,” Finnish folk song sung operatically—with surtitles.
Helsinginkatu, 58
358/940-302-211
operafin.fi
OSLO
Stay:
Scandic Byporten
The 239-room Scandic Byporten is not glam, but it has enviable views of the opera house and is near the airport train.
Jernbanetorget, 6
47/23-15-55-00
RATES: $210–$425
scandichotels.no/byporten
Eat:
Åpent Bakeri
The outstanding bread mixes local ingredients with traditional French baking techniques. Avoid the lunchtime squeeze.
Inkognito terasse, 1
47/22-44-94-70
Hear:
Den Norske Opera
Tickets for the inaugural fall season of this stellar glass box are coveted, and even sold out. In February, the company marks its 50th anniversary with a new production of Peter Grimes.
Kirsten Flagstads Plass, 1
47/81-54-44-88
operaen.no
STOCKHOLM
Stay:
Hotel Stureplan
This charming new place reflects centuries of Swedish design. The 102 rooms come in Gustavian style with high ceilings and Tiffany blue walls; contemporary lofts; and even windowless “cabin rooms” (for long, light nights). The champagne bar is a trendy pre- or après-opera stop.
Birger Jarlsgatan, 24
46/84-40-66-00
RATES: $310–$470
hotelstureplan.se/en
Grand Hotel
Conveniently close to the opera house, the Grand is always grand—but only if you get a room with a water view. With one of Sweden’s best chefs (Mathias Dahlgren), and the glamorous Cadier Bar, it’s tailor- made for an opera visitor.
S. Blasieholmshamnem, 8
46/86-79-35-00
RATES: $380–$740
grandhotel.se
Save to Del.icio.us
Digg this