Thursday, February 07, 2019

A Night At The Opera






























I like classical music, but, I generally find the forced and unnatural voices in opera unpleasant. I don't find the sound of shrieking scorched cats pleasant.  Hence, I had never been to the opera.  Until recently.  

The son, of one of Jay's college classmates, had a new American opera selected for a world premiere at the Washington National Opera American Opera Initiative Festival at the Kennedy Center here in Washington, DC.  How could I say no? 

The show was three short operas (about 20 minutes each.) The first of the three titled "75 Miles" was depressing and hard to listen to.  The second was titled "Relapse" it was well written, and had a redeeming ending - good and hope triumphed over temptation and evil. The third one titled "Pepito" was brilliant, well written, well performed.  Samuel Weiser, the artist who played the title role of Pepito - a dog, was amazing and entertaining.  If you get a chance to see Pepito or hear Sam Weiser, please do so.  

In ten years of living in the DC area, it was the first time I went to a show at the Kennedy Center.  It was fun.  The outside of the building is unusual, the theater was surprisingly nice inside.  

Have you been to an Opera?  

10 comments:

  1. Yes...warbucks took me about two years ago. I prefer to go to the symphony first, but I didn't mind it. I loved the getting dressed up part, and the music was incredible. The singing was excellent but I can see you point.

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  2. I am definitely not an opera fan. It’s a rare one that I’m able to appreciate. Went in my early teens and have watched a couple of recorded performances. Just doesn’t do it for me. I had a friend who years back wanted to revoke my Gay Card.

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  3. are you channeling dr. spo there? and don't you two look ADORABLE (as always)!

    not an opera fan here either. but I did see shows at the kennedy center when I lived down there; one being willie nelson.

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    1. I charge reasonable fees for channeling.

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  4. I enjoy opera but ticket prices for live performances are exorbitant, so I tend not to go.

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  5. My first experience with opera was Die Fledermaus at the Vienna Opera House in 1986. What an introduction!!

    After that, in grad school, I went to a number of operas at Indiana University, but nothing compared to that first time.

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  6. I've tried watching opera on Great Perfomances, but no. I do enjoy a good barihunk but the women's voices set my teeth on edge.

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  7. next, the penguin and sweet bear will spend a day at the races (50 points if you get the reference)!

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    1. I know, I know! The Marx brothers! Am I right, huh, am I?

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  8. My mother sang in choruses when I was a boy; we went often and early to operas. I go on a regular basis. They are the best; do no dare to question this.

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