Last weekend I crossed #53 off my list. I saw an opera—for what I thought was the first time…but then during intermission I saw a poster for the 2010/11 Arizona Opera concert season which includes a performance of The Pirates of Penzance--I saw that "comedic opera" by Gilbert & Sullivan in college and didn’t realize it was an “opera” since the singing was in English!
So, what I call my first "real" opera was La bohème. The performance I went to (Sunday afternoon) was sold out and the audience was a mix of young and old—literally. There was an older couple to my left (who were avid opera goers and helped answer several of my questions), a group of middle-aged women to my right (who were out for an afternoon on the town), and a grandma and her three granddaughters behind me (who were on their first opera outing, but should have left their sack lunches at home!).
La bohème is a tragic love story (of course), but one without a villain (except the villain of death). This particular opera is sung in Italian, but English surtitles were great in helping the audience to follow along with the story (the story was even humorous at times and it was interesting to hear the audience laugh together).
For budgetary reasons I had purchased a seat in the balcony of Symphony Hall, but I actually enjoyed being up there. I had a good line of site to both the surtitles and the stage, plus, I personally enjoyed being able to see down into the orchestra pit (I like watching the harpist!). My seat-mates to the left (the avid opera-goers who I could sometimes hear humming to the music!) told me they always sit in the balcony because they feel the sound is better. They pointed out that the singers don’t use microphones (we’re talking projection, people!) and the sound rises (up to us in the balcony!).
The opera isn’t for everyone (like if you don’t enjoy classical music or foreign films), but it’s a great experience and I would certainly go again. And I’d recommend everyone try it at least once!
Things I'll do at my next opera: I'll dress up (I was in jeans and sweater which I thought would be acceptable for a matinee performance--it was ok, but I should have taken advantage of this dress-up affair!); I'll order a Bravotini at the bar to sample during intermission (like all the other cool people did!); I'll take someone with me (it's an interesting experience similar to a concert or a foreign film). And, maybe I'll even bring some binoculars--during the performance I kept thinking of that scene in Pretty Woman where Richard Gere has taken Julia Roberts' character to the opera for the first time, and Julia is flummoxed as to how to use the opera glasses!
4 comments:
I went to the opera once in high school, but I haven't been back since. I love going to any sort of live arts performance, so let me know if you ever want to go again! I'd love to tag along and try a Bravotini :)
Re: hiking... I'll see you at 6:30 on the 11th. I might bring a small flashlight if I can find one...It still seems pretty dark to me at 6:30.
Oh boy... I wish I had read your 101 list and saw you wanted to go to an opera - I would have recommended you go see Cosi Fan Tutte! Shawn and I love the opera and go on average once a year or once a season (we even splurged and had season tickets a few years ago, because they were offering so many of our favorites that season). If you ever want to go again - just let me know. Or I'll let you know when we're going. We LOVE taking people with us!
Also, as an FYI, an hour before the show starts, Arizona Opera has a music professor or someone of equal stature come in and give a free 30 minute pre-opera lecture. We've found these talks to be super-helpful. They explain the time period it was written, the composer's style, inspiration, walk you thru the story, point out things you should watch for, etc. It's free with your admission ticket. :)
Oooh! Davina, Kristi, I'm thinking a girls' trip to the opera is in order!
Chandy--I'm in total agreement--I totally want to redo my opera viewing, wearing a dress, ordering a bravotini, and attending with friends!
Davina--have you gone to the opera at the Orpheum Theater? I saw another group has their performances there--the gentleman sitting next to me said the Orpheum has a more intimate feeling, but I wondered about the acoustics. And thanks for the note about the pre-performance lecture!
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