We know that for the past few months we’ve mostly been writing about events and how to plan them around the current worldwide pandemic; but we thought that for the next few weeks we would lighten up the mood and switch things up a bit. For the foreseeable future we’ll try to tie in what we’ve been doing to pass the time and entertain ourselves. Reviews of new television shows, the best telecasts and radio programs, and todays topic, the best operas available to the public on a day to day basis.
I’m sure that to most of you, opera just sounds like a bore. Overweight men and women on a stage screaming into each-others’ faces while wearing horned helmets. BUT, I’m here to tell you differently. Recently Opera Houses from around the world have begun to change the way that opera is presented. The sets stun audiences, the singers are getting better and better looking and sounding by the year, and the story lines are so dramatic that it puts your favorite Soaps to shame! All of this AND it’s wrapped up in the most glorious music ever written!
Since the emergence of the pandemic in March, many opera houses have started to release televised productions of some of their best performances. The best and most easily accessible is from the Metropolitan Opera in New York City. Every night the company shows a past production on their website for free! Most of the screenings are from the past decade, however they do find some performances from the past starring some of the greatest stars in classical music ie. Luciano Pavarotti, Beverly Sills, Montserrat Caballé just to name a few. The Met employs some of the greatest technical artists as well. Directors from Broadway, film and television have come to try their hand at producing an opera, some great, some…. questionable. But that can be the best part! Throughout the last 8 months multiple productions have been shown of the same opera, so you’re able to judge which director you liked best, which singer you liked best, and which staging was your favorite.
It’s also incredibly satisfying to watch because, to be a singer, musician, costume designer, set designer, prop guy, or even a coat checker at the Met, you have to be the best in the world. In the world. The opera is the very pinnacle of human ability and creation. It’s not every day that you find yourself in the presence of total mastery, all tightly packaged just for you. It’s a very moving experience, and I’ve cried more times at the opera than I care to admit. So, give it a chance! If my ramblings haven’t convinced you, I’m sure that actually seeing for yourself, will!
