Czech national opera until this time had been represented only by a number of minor, rarely performed works.

Several important opera and theater companies, as well as international orchestras, have already performed there.

My opera was performed again yesterday, this time at the request of Gluck.

Opera has also traditionally performed best in Europe.

The opera performs tomorrow through Nov. 21 and returns on March 3.

Opera at the Academy performs in a tiny rectangle surrounded on three sides by its audience (capacity is 120).

But while the house is closed, the opera and ballet companies are performing at various other theaters - and not bringing in the expected revenue.

Apart from standard Western and Russian repertory works, the opera also performs national operas.

This left the ballet company only two days a week in which to perform, while the Italian Opera performed six, and sometimes seven times per week.

During the winter months, the local opera and ballet companies perform at the L'Accademia Filarmonica.