When people imagine going to the opera, a few things probably come to mind. Perhaps you think of amazing voices, intricate costumes and the tragic love stories that unfold on stage. Other people may think of the iconic scene in Pretty Woman when Edward Lewis (Richard Gere) takes Vivian Ward (Julia Roberts) to the opera, and she stuns in her iconic red dress – as he told her in the movie, people “either love it, or they hate it”; however, I’m not sure if it’s actually this black and white.
I travelled to Verona, in Italy, a few years ago to explore the city for a day, and was instantly mesmerised by one thing. As I arrived, the cobbled streets weren’t only filled with people, but also gigantic props for the opera. Arena di Verona hosts various operas throughout the summer, with tickets varying in price depending on where you want to sit and, as soon as I saw what the open air opera was like in real life, I knew I wanted to experience it one day.
Seeing the team set up for the opera is a spectacle in itself. The props that littered the streets really were huge, the atmosphere around the arena was electric and you could even hear opera singers rehearsing from their homes as you walked the streets nearby – when people claim Italy is magical, they really do say it for a reason.
Fast forward two years, I had a ticket to see Aida and I entered the arena excited, intrigued and feeling super lucky to be there. With a glass of fizz in hand, I took my seat ready to enjoy the production, and it’s fair to say it didn’t disappoint.
While some people may be quick to dismiss opera thinking it’s “posh”, “over the top”, “only for certain people” or “not for me”, I’m here to tell you to give it a try. I’ve never experienced anything like it before, and probably never will ever again.
As you can imagine, attending an opera at the Arena di Verona is special for a number of reasons. The venue is an exceptionally preserved 1st-century Roman amphitheatre and homes the perfect acoustics for live performances.
It’s been used to host opera performances for hundreds of years, with its famous annual opera festival continuing to take place under the stars. If you only experience opera once in your life, then this is really the place to do it.
From the moment you walk in, the atmosphere is electric. It’s amazing to see the open air arena fill up at night with the stars glowing above, and the work that goes into the production is really incredible.
As well as being struck by powerful voices on stage, audience members will struggle not to tingle at the overwhelming feeling of simply being present there. You really feel like you’re experiencing a part of history and, even if opera isn’t normally for you, it’s truly a spectacle to behold – and it’s a spectacle that everyone can share.
People of all ages, from all walks of life, stepped through the door to share a unique moment in history. One thing that I did learn from attending is that opera, if you let it, can truly be for everyone.
And, if you’re worried about having to dress up, you don’t really need to. Smart casual attire is recommended when you visit, but there’s no strict code.
When I attended, many people did dress smartly to embrace the experience and feel glamorous; however, some people wore more casual clothing too. The only clothes you shouldn’t wear include shorts, tank tops or open-toe shoes for men (like sandals or flip flops).
Obviously, the opera is performed in Italian, but an English translation also appears at the side of the stage. In all honesty though, the storytelling is so emotional, and totally beautiful, that it is easy to follow the plot. I found it hard to tear my eyes away from the stage, though I did every now and again, purely so I could grasp the intensity of the lyrics.
As someone who is far from an opera buff, I thought it was totally extraordinary. It’s impossible not to feel something when you see live opera performed, even if it wouldn’t normally be your cup of tea.
But, when you’re sitting in Italy, in an open air arena, praying it doesn’t rain, whilst listening to hundreds of incredible voices – it’s hard not to feel inspired or in awe. Some experiences in life truly make you feel alive, and this is one of them.