In 1990, theater manager Professor Udo Zimmerman set himself the task of creating a reputation for Leipzig opera and it would appear that his ambitions have taken effect. There's quite a history behind Oper Leipzig which, to be precise, has been around since 1693, though it has only been at its current premises at the centrally located Augustusplatz for 40 years. It's debatable whether Leipzig opera can ever match the reputation of the Semper Opera House in Dresden, mainly on account of its splendid interior, but there's no reason to hold back when it comes to contemporary art. Come summertime, the opera house hosts the splendid Gewandhausorchester Open Air.