The Bucharest National Opera House is one of four National Opera Houses in Romania, and the largest opera theater in the country. It was built in the 19th century thanks to George Stefanescu, a Romanian singer, composer and teacher. For several decades this institution was housed in different buildings in order to promote the national culture. Popular French and Italian works were performed for the public until the emergence of the first Romanian voices in Bucharest. Officially opened in 1921, the Opera House of today dates to 1953 and has a capacity of 952. The interior features a crystal chandelier, a VIP area and a 24x20x30 meter stage.