After a fire in the preceding theatre, THE FENICE ('Phoenix'), the new Gran Teatro of Venice, opened its doors to the public in 1792. Despite a second fire in 1836 La Fenice became a leading institution in the world of music for more than a century and a half. This sumptuous book charts two centuries of musical history from the great operas of the 19th century to contemporary music & modern dance, from Rossini & Verdi to Ligeti &Pina Bausch. It is the first complete chronicle of all the operas, concerts & festivals held at the Gran Teatro, as well as providing a detailed architectural history.