I'm the mother of a teenager and I think I'm still sane although I wouldn't swear to it!! Do I need ...
I'm the mother of a teenager and I think I'm still sane although I wouldn't swear to it!! Do I need to say more!!!!
Member since:29.04.2004
Reviews:10
OK, now I know this might not be everyones idea of a great night out but if you are in or around Verona between June and August you should really try it.
The Verona Opera Festival takes place every year in the open air arena in the centre of Verona this year its between 19th June and 31st August, they usually perform about 4 different operas on a rotating schedule, one of these is nearly always Aida. If thats a bit too high brow for you they also usually have one of the lighter operas such as Carmen on offer as well. The arena itself seats about 22,000 (no thats not a typo) when full which most nights it is. Unlike the atmosphere and cost of somewhere like Covent Garden, this is very much a people place. Tickets cost as little as 24Euros (thats about £17) for this you get to sit on the stone steps all the way round the arena - a good tip here is to take a cushion as after a couple of hours you can get a bit of a numb bum!! You can hire a cushion for a few euros if you forget. If the thought of sitting on a stone step doesn't enthral you you can pay out for a seat (This will set you back about £70 but its still cheaper than Covent Garden and you won't get stuck behind a pillar!!!). For those of you who really want to splash out you can get a seat in the Poltrone or Poltronissime that will set you back between £90 and £115. For this you get to sit on the nice upholstered seats which are in the centre of the arena (The bit where they used to throw the Christians to the Lions). Its very nice and if you want to wear your posh frock then this is the place for you. Be warned however when there are the full complement of people in the place it gets very hot and airless down there, particularly on a warm balmy evening.
Wherever you decide to take a seat what you will witness is an absolute feast for the senses. The atmosphere is absolutely fabulous and the operas are always lavishly staged with top class performers from all over the world. We went to see Carmen and Aida last year I can not find the words to describe these you don't just hear the music you feel it!
A few practical things - This is an open air venue so if it suddenly throws it down with rain you get wet!! If the performance has already started you won't be able to claim any refund if the show can not commence because of the weather. The performances start at about 9pm, if you have a seat on the steps you will need to be at the arena when it opens at 6pm to claim your bit of step, most people make the most of this by taking a bit of a picnic in with them to eat whilst they are waiting,( do be careful not to take anything in glass though as it will be confiscated) or a good book. If you've splashed out for seats you can get away with not going until about 8.30pm. There are vendors selling food and drink which go round before the performance and during the intervals, although they aren't cheap they are also not a rip off also the drinks are lovely and cold. If you are thinking of eating before the performance there are loads of places in Piazza Bra, however you will get better food at a lower cost if you eat at some of the smaller places away from the Piazza, there are lots serving all different sorts of things so you won't be hard up for choice.
If you have never been to an opera before, or you think its not your thing, the Opera in the Arena is a fab introduction, even if it doesn't turn you into an opera buff the experience alone will amaze you.
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Great reveiw on the Opera, my Brother in Law goes out tomorrow, so have advised him of this review. We have been to the Minark in Cornwall so know about Rain in the Open Air Theatre enviroment. I see you love Carmen, have you seen CARMAN it is a pure Dance version, it was most interesting experience.
MAFARRIMOND 01.06.2004 20:45
Always wanted to go but haven't got round to it yet. Will have to make an extra effort next year. Maureen
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Advantages: Breathtaking views, bundles of romance, history and architecture Disadvantages: Easy to get lost, no obvious hostel/travellers sites (except camping)
beccilace 02.11.2005 (02.11.2005)
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