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Famous Operas in a Magical Setting!!

Mon 22 August 2011

, Nicole Bader, Charming Travel Choices

Verona is Italy at its most handsome. Situated on the banks of the river Adige, the city center of Verona is a treasure trove of Romanesque and Renaissance monuments, beautiful palaces, charming churches with extraordinary frescoes, numerous bridges, historic city gates, cozy piazza’s and amazing gardens. But mostly, Verona is famous for the Shakespearian tragedy of Romeo and Juliette and the opera festival!!

The opera festival in Verona is one of the most famous operatic events in the world. The reason is the unique open-air Roman amphitheater where performances are held. It was built in the first century AD for gladiatorial contests, can accommodate 15,000 people and has unparalleled acoustics. Every year Verona attracts half a million opera fans from all around the world.

For two months in the summer, the Arena in Verona will provide intense emotions, bringing to the stage some of the most well-known and well-loved operas. The 2011 Verona Opera Festival runs from June 17 to September 3 offering a rich program of 49 performances and six sensational operas: Verdi’s La Traviata, Aïda and Nabuco, Puccini's La Bohème, The Barber of Seville by Rossini and Romeo et Juliette by Gounod.

Just a few weeks ago I decided to book a flight to Verona myself. Fortunately I still managed to book a room in hotel Residenza Guiseppe Verdi and tickets for the opera Aïda on August 14. Tickets for the opera can be bought at the “biglietteria” (ticket office) in the Arena. However if you do not want to miss the chance to see an opera performance of your choice, you best book your tickets in advance and directly through the Arena Website and select your seating. Choosing the right seat depends obviously on availability and price. There are various kinds of tickets, ranging from the most expensive Poltronissime Gold (best seats in the stalls) which cost between €183 and €193 to seats on the Gradinate (sitting right on the stone steps) whose price varies according to more or less central position from € 25.00 to
€ 21.00.

So on Sunday evening August 14 round 20.45 I entered the beautiful Arena to watch the opera Aïda. The inside of the Arena is impressive and the atmosphere magical with thousands of candles held by members of the audience. The story of Aïda, performed under the starred skies, is about an Ethiopian princess, who is torn between love of her homeland, the man she loves (Radames) and her family. The opera scenery is fantastic with giant Egyptian sculptures, large painted pillars, palm trees and real horses. Amarilli Nizza performing Aïda and the choir are fantastic and the acoustic terrific. An unforgettable experience!!

After a performance in the Arena you can go for supper or drinks at one of the many elegant terraces on the various piazza’s. Sipping a glass of chilled prosecco, enjoy the hustle and bustle of a sultry summer evening and dream of the opera. Verona, its magical Arena and beautiful operas have stolen my heart. I’m already looking forward to go back next year to watch the opera Nabucco!!

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