12 MAP Rooseveltova street 7 A new opera theatre bearing Janáček's name was opened in 1965 and until these days it has been an important place where Janáček's works are staged. The effort to obtain a dignified place for Czech theatre in Brno dates back to the late 19th century. The search for a suitable location took a long time, one of the considered sites was e.g. the Lužánky Park, and several architectural contests were held. The efforts were disrupted by both world wars and only in the mid-1950s a contest took place from which the design of the team of architect Jan Víšek eventually emerged as the winning one. Architects Ivan Ruller and Boleslav Písařík also largely contributed to the final appearance of the building. The park above the Koliště Street was selected as the location of the new home of the Brno opera. The construction began in January 1960 and the operation of the new theatre commenced on 2nd October 1965 with a grand premiere of Janáček's opera The Cunning Little Vixen. The theatre with the largest stage in the Czech Republic, which connects to a rear and two side stages, is the home of the ensemble of the Janáček Opera of the Brno National Theatre and the Ballet of the Brno National Theatre. The work of Leoš Janáček is a permanent part of the repertoire of the opera ensemble. The Makropulos Affair (recording of the premiere on 21 November 2014, conducted by: Marko Ivanovič Janáček Opera ensemble, National Theatre Brno)