The California Theater's dazzling light display announcing the evening's entertainment
Photo: Chronica Domus
Ah, autumn has, at last, arrived. A prelude to cooler temperatures, falling leaves, and the start of the social season. For devotees of the performing arts, autumn heralds the beginning of a season packed with live performances of ballet, music, and theater.
This past Friday night it was time to kick things off in style. Donning one's best dress, frock coat, and heels (GSL approved height, of course), my family and I made our way to a performance of Giacomo Puccini's Tosca at the California Theater in San Jose. Some of you may recall my post last November where I wrote about our evening's entertainment at this marvelous little jewel box of a theater.
A door attendant usher's us into the theater
Photo: Chronica Domus
Having booked our seats several weeks in advance via the convenience of my computer, we arrived with adequate time to stop by the "will call" office and collect our tickets before the performance began. I came prepared with a print out confirming our reservation. I was quite taken aback when the ticket assistant nonchalantly said "Oh, no need for that, just give me your last name". She ran her fingers deftly along the neat stack of papers in front of her and located our tickets within seconds. "Wow", I said "no need for a credit card or identification before you hand those over to me?". The assistant shot a puzzled look my way, as though she thought me a little crazy, and said "No one wants to steal opera tickets". My husband dryly interjected with "Yes, there's not exactly a black market for them is there", which caused the assistant great amusement.
The beautiful amber-lit entry hall buzzing with excited patrons listening to live organ music before the performance commenced
Photo: Chronica Domus
Although the house was jam packed with opera lovers on the evening we attended the compellingly performed Tosca, I wondered what is was about opera that fails to appeal to a wider audience. Was it because the guiding lights of the operatic stage have failed to achieve movie or rock star status, bar a few notable exceptions, of course? Was it that new operas were in need of being written for the younger set, or was it that the old favorites have lost their sparkle?
My program balancing upon my lap
Photo: Chronica Domus
Tosca was my teenage daughter's third opera and I'm thrilled to report that she wholeheartedly enjoyed the experience. During the first of two intermissions, I asked her if she was able to follow along easily with the super-titles. She proceeded to give me a summary of what we'd just watched which convinced me that she was indeed absorbing every detail. At the conclusion of the evening, she declared Tosca had been her favorite opera to date because of the story's final twist, which took her by complete surprise. I loved hearing this because it meant that she was as captivated as her father and I were during the evening.
We plan on doing this all over again next month for The Marriage of Figaro. Interestingly, and shockingly to me at least, the price for concert tickets to the hottest rock band or pop diva in town (and even at some high-profile sporting events) are almost three fold that of tickets to the opera. I'd hate to hazard a guess as to what the cost of scalped tickets for those events might be. And, to think, the declining interest in attending live operatic performances has been blamed on ticket prices. I believe for such an enriching experience, one receives great value for money.
I encourage those that have yet to venture into this form of live entertainment to bite the bullet this season and venture forth in support of their local opera company. Where else can one pass a few pleasant and civilizing hours witnessing the marvels of the human voice, view superb acting talent, hear live orchestral music played flawlessly, enjoy sumptuous costumes and creatively conceived stage sets?
Tell me, if given the choice, which is your preferred choice of live entertainment?
Nota bene: I am neither paid nor do I receive recompense in exchange for applauding products or services within my blog. I do so because I enjoy them. If you are a kindred spirit, you too enjoy recommending nice things to fellow good eggs.
Hello CD, Maybe as a result of growing up with the Cleveland Orchestra handy, I am partial to concert music. I also favor recitals of all types. Come to think of it, I enjoy most types of performance. I love band concerts, especially when they stick to the older band repertoire.
ReplyDelete--Jim
PS: Many extra bonus points awarded if I am acquainted with the performers.
Oh, yes, Jim, concert music is extremely enjoyable. I always marvel at the way an entire orchestra or band come together in perfect unison to produce wondrous sound that thrills and delights their audience. As one who never learned to play a musical instrument (OK, I shall not include the recorder which is the standard issue instrument, or was, when I went to school in England), I delight at live music played well.
DeleteSuch a pretty theatre! It does speak of Fall in your pictures. I will take this as a nudge to get my tickets now with no further delay. My husband had made the request at least twice already so I'm quite a slouch - yet I adore the opera. There is nothing more sublime and ridiculous...and yes, I do love to dress for it.
ReplyDeleteHello gésbi,
DeleteIt is certainly a bonus if one's spouse enjoys attending operatic performances. I would hate to drag someone along knowing they might not enjoy it. I have to share a funny story about an older couple that sat in front of us. I noticed that the gentleman was holding a paperback book instead of a program and thought that a little odd. My husband remarked on it too and hoped he would not just whip out a little reading light once the performance started. Well, I can tell you he didn't, but what he did do was scarper at first opportunity. We concluded that his poor wife had dragged him there against his will, hence the book. Sublime and ridiculous indeed!
Happy to read that you too enjoy dressing up for the opera. I saw many more ladies dressed than men, but in today's relaxed "everything goes" climate, I appreciated those that made the effort.
Do let me know what performances you managed to get tickets for.
Dear CD,
ReplyDeleteSo glad you and your family enjoyed "Tosca". In the business, it is known as a "war horse"; a classic of the genre. More the pity that opera and Classical music, in general, does not have the mass appeal of rock or country stars. My husband was the exec director of three orchestras and lamented (along with other EDs) the well-documented drop off in symphony/opera/chamber music attendance over the past 50 years. The fact of the matter is, the audience is aging out ( a euphemism for dying out) and the younger folks are not replacing them. The average age of attendees these days is in the 60s and that statistic keeps getting older with each decade. Orchestras are struggling to remain relevant even in major cities.
Studies show that exposure in the home during the formative years is the number one determinant of someone liking and patronizing Classical music later in life. Alas, alas, this has become ever less frequent so kudos to you and your husband for including your daughter in your outings.
I grew up with it and my husband has a masters from the New England Conservatory so we are big fans and supporters of the Boston music scene. Even so, we do fear for the future of classical music.
Best,
KL Gaylin
Hello KL Gaylin,
DeleteThank you for enlightening me on the term "war horse" with regards to Tosca. It is perfect for such a staple. I'm sure The Marriage of Figaro would also be included under this umbrella (our next opera coming up in November).
So nice to learn of your connection with the local music scene through your husband's former position as ED. Live classical music is certainly not as popular as rock or pop but it has its place and I do hope it can somehow attract a younger set in the future. As you say, it is important to expose the little one's to it early.
The good news is that l spotted several young people at last Friday's performance so I'm hoping the tide may be changing. Opera San Jose is a wonderful company and they staged a world-premier that I missed earlier in the year so they are at least trying to appeal to a younger set through new works. You'd think that being based in the heart of Silicon Valley that they'd be rolling in funding but, alas, they are not. Sadly, I've concluded that the arts are not supported nearly enough, at least as compared to the UK.
When the Lakme is sparkling up past those brilliant chandeliers, or il Babbo has completely taken us all aloft ourselves, or when my own dear Kallen Esperian is singing ANYTHING, I just might be tempted to pickpocket the gentleman in the next seat, in hopes that he had his season ticket on his person.
ReplyDeleteWe DID receive a lovely couple’s tickets once, from the serendipity of sitting beside them in first balcony of our very first opera after we moved here. We talked before and at intermission of Orpheo’s travails, Chris gave them his card, and lo, the next season we received a call that they’d have to be out of town for Butterfly (starring the incomparable KE---what are the odds?) and we were thrilled.
But wouldn’t there be a Karma to messing with something of such import as Opera---the depriving would put a pall on the whole experience, more than the crime of it, I think. And besides, there I’d be, deer-in-the-usher-light, when they, their proper ID and their righteous indignation descended during the Overture. Oh. My. Not me.
Hello racheld,
DeleteWhat a great surprise to have received those tickets, especially as it included a performer you hold so dear to your heart! Thanks for sharing your wonderful story.
The closest I've come to a famous opera singer is trying on Placido Domingo's jacket, which my father had made for him when he was still working as a tailor. It was, let's say, very roomy. I remember my uncle, who is 6' 2" and quite a strapping fellow, happened to be visiting. My father made him try it on to check the fit. My uncle seemingly disappeared under that enormous jacket and was completely swamped by it.
Oh, and yes, can't imaging being ushered out of a performance and the entire theater watching if one had pinched someone's seat (or ticket) - mortifying!
Back in the early 80s I was invited by a much older lady in town to go to the Memphis Opera Club luncheon at which KE, having just won the Mid-South Auditions, was to perform.
DeleteIn my befuddled memories of that moment, it feels almost like one of those movie scenes in which fashion models move and post amongst splendidly-dressed lunching ladies. She came right out into the dining room and ascended to a sort of central platform, perhaps three steps up. And perhaps I'm ascribing the purple of her velvet dress to the stage, but in my mind, I see her very young self teetering in unaccustomed high heels on an immense purple ottoman-type thing. Silly memory of such a momentous (for me) occasion.
She'd grown up so much next time I saw her, and the announcer said that she was leaving next day for La Scala, to fill in for an ailing singer opposite Pavarotti.
I also had the honor once to be invited to a party at the home of Marguerite Piazza. wonderful things for such a quiet life I've led.
http://lawntea.blogspot.com/2011/02/mtm-ii.html
That should be move and POSE----not like "speed and post," Apologies to you and to Milton.
DeleteOh, that is a lovely memory and not at all silly, and to think you've seen her more than once. I can't even imagine the excitement and thrill of performing at La Scala, a theater so large when compared to the little theater in San Jose. San Francisco's War Memorial Opera House is on a grander scale too, but still very enjoyable.
DeleteWe have a lot of opera companies here in DC and while they do well - like you say it doesn't sell out like other types of performances. The tickets are expensive but as you say, much less than tickets to Taylor Swift or Madonna. I used to hold season tickets, but I am a picky opera lover. I may love Puccini but I hate Wagner; somehow our national opera decides to host the entire ring cycle every 2 or 3 years so I long ago stopped with the season tickets. However I generally still remember to see the operas I like (seeing an opera by Handel later this month which I hadn't even heard of!) but tickets are still available last minute - unlike other venues which sell out far in advance. Oh well -more room for us!
ReplyDeleteHello AD,
DeleteI chuckled at your comment about Wagner operas. I was told that Opera San Jose avoid them as they are so lengthy they'd need to pay their musicians over-time, something they are loathe to do.
Oh yes, Taylor Swift tickets. I know all about those. My thirteen year old pleaded with me to take her over the summer. I put my foot down when I heard the price was in the low-three hundred dollar range. Now, she can't go on her own so I'd need to accompany her, which doubles the price. Then there was the sixty-five dollar parking charge. Oh, all that before the obligatory souvenir tee-shirt was even purchased. No, thank you. Of course, the concert had sold out on both nights. Go figure!
Enjoy your Handel opera. Adore his music (one of my favorites), but have yet to witness his opera first-hand.
Hello CD
ReplyDeleteWhile we haven’t missed a season of ballet or theatre in over 30 years, it’s a different story with opera. Nothing to do with the genre, rather the choice and quality of local productions … or maybe we’re just picky. We typically attend a performance once every year or two.
Last time we attended we noticed quite a few young people in the audience –perhaps an indicator that opera is throwing off its stuffy, elitist image. As dress code goes, here too, the range covers everything from jeans to black tie. I don’t mind a bit, though I do enjoy seeing people dressed up.
My closest encounter with an opera star involved Jose Carreras when he visited my workplace some years ago. Ironically I was more star-struck by the host, a highly esteemed colleague who had remembered I like opera and invited me to sit in on the occasion.
Spud.
Hello Spud,
DeleteLoved hearing about your Carreras story. That must have been quite a pleasant surprise for you.
How lovely that you adore ballet so much and are a regular attendee. I should go more often than I do as we have wonderful productions in San Francisco. The last time I went was to see The Nutcracker which is always superb and so magical.
Yes, I too saw a number of younger people in the audience, some of them dressed very well, which gladdened my heart on both counts. Let's hope it becomes the new thing for Gen Y.
CD,
ReplyDeleteThat surprises me that you don't even have to show your ID. I confess, the symphony or chamber music is my first choice for a fancy evening out. We also love a good movie or musical theater.
xo,
Karen
Hello Karen,
DeleteYes, that was quite a surprise, indeed. I've collected tickets for far more casual events and needed both a print out confirmation and to show ID and the credit card I purchased the tickets with.
I adore a good symphony too, but as for movies, I've given up going (on the whole). Too many interruptions from inconsiderate cell phone users (yes, even after all the warnings).
Oh my Dear CD,
ReplyDeleteThank goodness the usher will still seat this late arrival as I've had wifi difficulties the past week. I always willcall my ticket and am never asked for ID and much prefer than having to keep track of a hardcopy ticket. Opera is also my performance of choice as it combines so many Art Forms with singing, acting, orchestra, the now lavish sets, and usually first rate choreography by Classical Dance trained extras. Since the major opera houses pool their resources, they can now go all out on the sets so a magnificent La Traviata set by David Hockney came from San Francisco, to Chicago and I think on to New York or Houston. Great seats are absolutely crucial for maximizing the experience (as opposed to the symphony) and I find that out the hard way. Better to go to 2 performances/season with fab seats then subscribe to them all in Siberia.
CD, you little tease...you get all dolled up in that fab frock coat lovingly crafted by your father's deft hands, climb into a pair of heels, and not even a peek?!?!?!
I'm gonna have the Daily Mail paps tail you from now on.
Wonderful to hear your daughter loves opera as well!
Hello GSL,
DeleteInteresting to read that your experience of the "will call" window mirrors mine. Also, thanks for enlightening me on the sharing game when it comes to sets. That is wonderful to hear as some of the smaller opera houses with shallower pockets can reap the rewards of the major players in the opera world.
As to those DM paps, I think they are all too busy nowadays following the antics of the Katrashians to want to bother with the likes of me.
My husband's first trip to Europe was a five month-long sojourn after college and before law school. He went with a childhood friend who hated opera, my husband loves it. They compromised and indeed went to an opera in Vienna. They were traveling "student poor" and had not packed jackets which were required in Vienna. The usher could tell my 6'5" guy was very disappointed and he took off his jacket (a much smaller man) and loaned it so my husband could see La Traviata.
ReplyDeleteSeveral years our car was broken into during the Christmas season. My young nephew asked if they stole anything. I replied all we had was opera CDs and some new kitchen knives which they left behind. For the rest of our Christmas dinner, the little guy couldn't stop laughing. "Who would WANT opera CDs and kitchen knives anyway."
Time. Perhaps with time.
Hello home before dark,
DeleteWhat wonderful stories, both of them! The usher was such a kind soul to have loaned your husband his jacket and to have created such a lasting memory for him. Many years ago I caught bits of Mozart's operas being performed by the Vienna Mozart Orchestra in full period dress at the Vienna State Opera House. It was a marvel to behold and such fun to not only hear the brilliant music being played in an acoustically rich environment, but also to see the opera singers come on stage wearing beautiful costumes. One was utterly transformed to the eighteenth century.
Thank you for providing me with a good chuckle this Monday morning. Adored hearing your "little guy's" thoughts on opera CDs.
I had to read this one twice before I realized that the entire performance was selected pieces from several operas, performed as an evening, rather than my vision of your "many years ago" child wistfully peeking out from time to time as the music swelled and all the strutting and fretting went on in magnificent colour and costume.
DeleteForgive my fumblebrain---the morning has been spent, not in magnificent music and dress, but in Electrical estimators vying to replace this antique fuse box in our house. I need some Papageno..
Oh my, I'm sorry to have confused but the upside is your delightful vision of "child wistfully peeking out from time to time ..." A lovely thought.
DeleteSending some luck your way with regards to that pesky little matter of modern convenience you are dealing with this morning. I much prefer candlelight but where would I be without my computer!