Storm Dennis raged in Wales, and I sought sanctuary in the Millennium Centre for an experience on my bucket list – my first opera.
The space age reception area of the theatre prepared me to be transported to the alien world of opera. ‘Beam me up, Mozart,’ I muttered as I waited for The Marriage of Figaro to begin. Convinced I would need to abscond from the three and a half hours marathon during the interval, I planned the best route for the exit.
My great uncle, a coal miner from Barnsley, was a great fan of opera and blasted out the music on his gramophone. I never met Great Uncle Jimmy but of family legend deemed him eccentric for a Barnsley lad. Always amused by an opera loving miner in the family, I had to discover if one could inherit this passion.
Opera seduced me with the very first note. The poetic actions of the performers showed me the way into the narrative. And the incredible harmonies of the signing convinced me that my Level 2 seat was in heaven. Performers blended their actions and singing and taught me the emotional language of an operatic performance. Suspended in the drama, I hardly looked at the subtitles.
For three hours, I felt as if I was able to interpret the Italian language that seemed perfect for the expression of the emotions. Wow! I now understand that Uncle Jimmy would enter a trance like state to escape the darkness and toil of his life under the ground. And I know he warned my late father, ‘Don’t go down the pit, lad.’
There were layers and layers of humour and then emotions. I do not think I blinked throughout the entire performance because I could not miss one single detail of this musical tapestry. I loved the way the opera tested loyalty and love and relationships, but I was not prepared for the wonderful comedy.
To me the final scene seemed to be an expression of joy and happiness when everyone found their equilibrium. I reached in my handbag for water to ease the emotion in my throat. I couldn’t believe it! The curtain call arrived too soon. It couldn’t possibly be the end because I hadn’t heard Figaro’s Aria – the tune I’d attempted to warbled for months before this experience. Where was it? Well, now I realise this is in the Barber of Seville. A perfect ending for me as I will have to return to watch the Barber of Seville later in the year.
I am in love with opera. However, I’m unsure if this love is passed down through Uncle Jimmy, my father’s uncle. My mother also attended the opera for the first time and adored it too. I have found a new love!
“I speak of love awake I speak of love in my dreams, To the water, the shadows, the mountains, To the flowers, the grass, the fountains.” Mozart, The Marriage of Figaro.
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I love anything by Puccini and I also like Light Operetta such as Gilbert & Sullivan. Mostly I listen to my fav tunes on Spotify via my WiFi speakers. Love live music, though.,
I need to explore your choices too. I’ll ask my smart speaker to oblige.
It’s on my list of things to experience, but haven’t yet… I look forward to it!
Lisa, you are in for a treat. You should visit Cardiff. x
What a joyful experience Jessie. I have only dipped a toe into small excerpts from opera thus far.
You must, must try it Brigid.
Bravo! From your great uncle to you! And now you’ve inspired me. I clicked on the link to the Millennium Center- fantastic venue and what a an amazing array of the arts- so many good shows.
Yes it is a lovely venue and we also had delicious wine. Wish you could have been there too.x
Wonderful post Jessie which brought back memories of opera I have been lucky to see in London. Years ago a good friend was the PA to conductor Sir George Solti and he often sent complimentary tickets for operas and musical galas. I saw La Boheme with Dame Kiri te Kanawa and Placido Domingo. The stage sets were stunning and added to the fabulous experience. I must try and see something at the Millennium Centre when I next plan a trip to S Wales.
How wonderful of your lovely friend to pass on those tickets to you. Watching those performances will stay with you. Yes, you really must visit the Millennium Centre in Cardiff. It is a stunning venue with perfect acoustics for musical theatre.
A lovely post Jessie. I have to admit to not being a great fan of opera, preferring modern music. But whatever your choice – rock or aria – it’s all about the way that music makes you feel. Our choices may be different but our passion is exactly the same.
So true! Music is all about how it make you feel. Opera evoked emotion in a different way to the popular music I listen to. Experiencing the performance live was a wonderful experience.
Lovely post. And now you will have to come and partake of opera in la bella Italia – where the atmosphere off the stage becomes part of on-stage. So glad you have been initiated and that you have found another love. Does your husband know? Does he approve 😉
I would love to see an opera in Italy. How does the atmosphere off stage become part of the experience? We had glimpses of performances in Roma. This prompted my husband to buy tickets for me and Mum. He is happy with my new love as long as he does not have to attend.
We were in Verona once when they were getting ready to perform Aida at The Arena, which is like a mini version of the Colosseum. Outside all the Egyptian props were stacked against the wall. Although not an opera fan I would loved to have seen them build the set. It made me realise how much hard work goes into staging these events.
Wow! That sounds like a brilliant experience. I would have been tempted to listen to the performance.