With a chorus of 140, (with 70 on stage at any one time), the sheer quality of the voices, not to mention wig and costume makers, stagehands, technicians, and of course, a full orchestra, the cost and value of the production is there for all to see.
No wonder, that a trip to the opera, is for many, something of a rare treat.
Tickets for the last opera that I saw in London cost £90.00, and we were almost in the ‘Gods,’ but as I said, a rare treat, and it is the perfect opportunity to bring out the opera glasses.
However, on this occasion, over 3 and a half hours of sumptuous, Wagner’s Lohengrin, cost £19.00, because I was able to take advantage of the live screening, of something which could very well go down as a definitive production of this particular opera, such was the singing, acting and staging.
A couple in their early 70s, seated in front of me, held hands throughout the performance and I rather hoped that for them, it was date night.
This live streamed production not only transported us to another time and place, through the magic of opera, but also to the Metropolitan Opera House in New York, and as we took our seats, we could witness the audience on another continent taking theirs, thus becoming a part of that audience.
However, there was one notable difference, we had the best seats in the house. We were able to see every tick, every slight action, a close up on the acting of which I had previously been unaware. Nor were there any distractions from the accomplished orchestra, we were on that very stage, amidst the action.
Being in a cinema, the seats were almost armchair like, with a handy drinks holder and solid arm rests. At 6ft 2ins, adequate leg room is a must, if I am expected to sit for over 3 hours, and again no complaints from me, or my legs.
These live streaming events are shown in local cinemas across the country so no long trips to London or New York, no parking fees, or long train journeys at the end of the evening.
In the intervals, when those in New York adjourned to the restaurant, or bar for refreshments, we were treated to a look behind the scenes. Some of this of course were the staged interviews with key members of the cast, but for me, the thrill was watching the scenery being dismantled and built at pace, and watching the chorus, all 70 of them, exiting the stage in a brisk but orderly fashion.
In one exuberant moment, a woman, a member of the chorus, in full costume, wig and make up, spotted the camera, and in an instant waved to 35,000 people, in more than 70 countries across the world.
Don’t worry if you have missed this, because there are plenty more in the Met’s season, and I recommend that you seek out your nearest cinema that offers live streaming, and book those tickets. Live opera doesn’t need to be a rare treat anymore.
All are live, and in High Definition
Verdi’s Falstaff – 1St April 2023
Strauss’s Der Rosenkavallier 15th April 2023
Terence Blanchard’s Champion 29th April 2023