Music is an important part of life for many people across the globe and cruise getaways offer the chance for holidaymakers to immerse themselves in melody at some of the world’s most famous venues. From the shores of North America, across Europe and Asia, all the way Down Under to Australia, music has established a foothold in culture. This blog will take a look at some of the world’s most prominent traditional and contemporary music venues found within cruise destinations.
Sydney Opera House, Sydney
As one of the world’s most iconic music venues, Sydney Opera House has played host to many of the greatest classical performers from across the globe, as well as the venue’s resident companies – the Sydney Theatre Company, Opera Australia, Australian Ballet and Sydney Symphony Orchestra.
The Opera House was designed by renowned Danish architect Jorn Utzon and official opened on 20th October 1973. It has been recognised as one of the world’s most distinctive structures and received World Heritage Site status in 2007.
Carnegie Hall, New York
How do you get to Carnegie Hall, I here you ask? Practice! As one of the USA’s oldest and most prestigious music venues, Carnegie Hall has seen some of the world’s most prominent classical performers grace its stage, including world premieres from the likes of Richard Strauss, Ernest Bloch and – in more recent years – Steven Sloan and Jonathan May.
Carnegie Hall was designed by celebrated architect William Burnet Tuthill and built by philanthropist Andrew Carnegie in 1891. The venue boasts a total of 3671 seat across 3 auditoriums, and plays host to hundred of classical concerts each year.
Mariinsky Theatre, St Petersburg
St Petersburg’s historic Mariinsky Theatre was and is one of Russia’s most influential and important music venues, especially during the 19th century, when legendary composers such as Tchaikovsky, Mussorgsky and Rimsky-Korsakov all performed for the first time.
Established in 1783 the theatre has hosted thousands of classical concerts, operas and ballet performances over the centuries and is currently home to companies including the Mariinsky Ballet, the Mariinsky Opera and the Mariinsky Orchestra.
Madison Square Garden, New York
Located in midtown Manhattan, New York City, Madison Square Garden is synonymous with the biggest names in the music industry, having hosted stars including Elvis Presley, Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, Judas Priest and Britney Spears. Interestingly, legendary artist Billy Joel also claims residency at the venue.
Opened back in 1968, the venue is a multi-purpose indoor arena and, as well as hosting some of the biggest names in music, is also home to the National Hockey League’s New York Rangers and National Basketball Association’s New York Knicks.
The Powerstation, Auckland
Despites its sometimes rocky history, The Powerstation is one of New Zealand’s foremost music venues, hosting concerts from some of the biggest bands in modern music, such as the Arctic Monkeys, Radiohead, the Beastie Boys, the Ramones and Debbie Harry.
The venue is currently consistently popular with locals and tourist, hosting regularly gigs from artists from across the globe. After having its ups and downs, the Powerstation is now experiencing a renaissance and is a must for music-lovers in Auckland.
AsiaWorld Arena, Hong Kong
The AsiaWorld Arena is the largest music venue is Hong Kong and has welcomed an impressive roster of acts over the years including Oasis, Coldplay, John Legend, Elton John, Avril Lavigne, Linkin Park, Muse, Christina Aguilera and Kylie Minogue amongst others.
Constructed less than ten years ago in 2005, this impressive venue has a total area of nearly 11,000 square metres and a capacity of around 16,000. As well as music concerts, the arena also hosts a range of events proceedings such as sports fixtures and other forms of entertainment.
Image Credits:
Enochlau, Wholtone, Perfektangelll, Chensiyuan, HK Arun – wikipedia.org