Opera Report
We went right from the airport to the Metropolitan Opera House to see Aida, a very moving opera with very good singers and sets. The new Metropolitan title system of small television screens on the back of each seat which has English translations of the libretto works out great. Verde’s opera is right up there with Puccini’s Turandot, the greatest opera I’ve ever seen. In Aida, there is set with a staircase and Egyptian pillars with the body of the Pharaohs carved in them. This is a great set with a lot of effort put into it The costumes were extraordinary to every detail, such as the Pharaoh’s elaborate robe and jewelry. The opera even had live horses pulling chariots. I’m sure the cast was over one hundred, including a great chorus and great dancers. This is an excellent opera and I suggest you see it because it is truly spectacular.
Across Lincoln Center from the Metropolitan Opera House is the equally large, but not quite as fancy, New York City Opera House. The next day my Dad and I went there to se La Boheme. The music was very nice and moving. I have never really liked La Boheme, yet after I saw this performance, I completely changed my mind. Although this was not a fantastic, spectacular production, I loved it. I enjoyed the music the most. There were three sets, an artist’s apartment, the Cafe Momus, and the gates of Paris. La Boheme was another fine masterpiece of Puccini and I enjoyed it very much.
Late at night flying back to Minneapolis, I told my Dad that next to Broadway, I like Opera best. I can’t wait until next month when I get to go to the Chicago Lyric Opera to see Don Giovanni and stay at the Palmer House Hotel and, especially, to see my sister, Vanessa.