Venice celebrates rebirth of opera house

Seven years after its beloved opera house burned down, Venice threw itself a big party today to celebrate the rebirth of La Fenice with a gala concert attended by the Italian president and Hollywood stars.

To Venetians and opera and Venice lovers throughout the world, the 18th century theatre represents the soul of this unique lagoon city, and its resurrection from the ashes – like its phoenix namesake – was cause for celebration across Italy.