David Leventi: Opera

In his series Opera, photographer David Leventi (born 1978)—whose work has been widely published in Time, The New York Times Magazine, Condé Nast Traveler and American Photography—captures the interiors of more than 40 opera houses spanning four centuries and four continents. Shot meticulously over five years, Opera presents a typology; each empty hall is seen from the place at center stage where the singers would stand. The large-format camera reveals these temples of music in their wealth of architectural detail and acoustic design; the body of work historically documents landmarks that serve as symbols of their nations' wealth and grandeur, their dedication to the promotion of the arts and to bringing communities together. With its unique concept—the opera house as a lens for cultural survey, a unifying force and tradition across continents—the collection serves as a beautiful tribute to opera.