Proper Opera Night

Last week we took time out to attend the Opera. Such a great time of year for us and like we have said before, people from all walks of life come in their furs, fakes, jeans and blinging rings. Music is for ALL of us to enjoy and we are very committed to attending all types of musical events whenever we can.

(Do a quick search of "music appreciation" on this blog)

This time it was Don Giovanni by Mozart. (Very quick background story: this is a very risque story of a womanizing man who gets his comeuppance.) This adaptation, presented by the New Zealand Opera, was a modern one fit with cell phones, stripper poles and blended suits. We have seen this opera before but never displayed like this and we appreciated all that it was. Amazing voices and a fresh approach made this play exactly what Mozart intended it to be. I would like to think he would have loved the updated costumes and witnessing a common social theme carried out with relevance many centuries later.  We have seen Mozart in manyvenues: from tiny parks to world famous Opera houses but the resoundingly important factor was the quality of the music and singers. This show by the NZ Opera did not disappoint by any means giving us a proper opera night.

Opera Going & Music Appreciation

Just wanted to do a quick share of The Valkyrie performance that we attended a few weeks ago. No kiddies this night.  My husband and I made a date night out of it and we have seen a lot of music performance between the two of us. I can truly say that our lives have been enriched by seeing The Valkyrie opera (Part of Wagner's Ring Cycle). This really was a once in a lifetime opportunity and when we saw the announcement we booked our seats immediately. Not many cities in the world host this huge operatic fete which runs over 4 hours long. The Valkyrie is not one of those events limited to just the opera going crowd. In fact, though we enjoy many musical events, we are not season ticket holders of the opera in our city. This piece is loved and admired for it's emotions (I cried), huge sound (including a thunder instrument), and perhaps most notably the piece The Ride of the Valkyries is performed at the beginning of Act III. (Think Apocalypse Now the movie). No pics were allowed inside but we did snap a few random ones including our yummy dinner.

Pre-ordered the lamb and chicken caesar so our dinner was waiting for us after the second intermission.

So what's this post about? You becoming an avid opera fan? No need to write a big donation check. I am simply saying just go to musical performances when they come to town. It's worth the time and money. People don't get dressed up anymore and I hate that. Get dressed up, people, go out and enjoy the musical things in life. You will undoubtedly feel better all around.

Art and Music are the first on the chopping block at schools as they are forced to cut budgets. How are we supposed to instill such important elements, that have proven mental and health benefits, into our children without exposing them to different types of music? If your school doesn't have a program the job is up to you. Here is some help...

A few tips for family musical enjoyment:

The Valkyrie venue

• Weekends are usually chock full of events in areas all over the world. 
• Musical performances from local theater groups and coffee shop ensembles to big budget presentations are available for adults and children alike to enjoy. 
• They are not usually outrageously priced and you can oftentimes even find free events. 
• Stay on budget by skimping on venue seats because it's hearing the music that's important. 
• Save that extra cash from your budget seats to spend on dinner or collectibles from the event. 

 REMEMBER: Your children will feel lucky just being there and they should be. Any experience that they have enriches them so again, just go and enjoy the music.