This Berlin opera house, the Staatsoper, was founded as Prussia’s Royal Court Opera for Frederick the Great in 1742,  and suffered immense damage during World War II. The current building dates from 1955, although great effort has been taken to replicate the original elegant design. Sadly, it’s still in desperate need of renovation. Its orchestra, the Berliner Staatskapelle, is considered to be Berlin’s finest opera orchestra and is under the direction of Daniel Barenboim, while ‘Dancer of the century’ Vladimir Malakhov has been ballet director since 2002. The programme runs traditional ballet and opera performances with chamber music performed in the Apollo Saal, along with the occasional electronic music event. Unsold tickets are available for 10 Euros before the start of each show.