A Night At The Opera

Last night we went to opening night of Monteverdi's Orfeo at The English National Opera. It was truly one of the most memorable evenings we've had in London.

The music itself is a gorgeous, I love Monteverdi. The opening fanfare of the brass gave me chills; it was so amazing to hear such a familiar melody (familiar to me '-) played in such a wonderful venue. The whole opera was fabulous. The design of the production was really beautiful and often even ingenious. The dancers, who came from Indonesia just for the opera, were graceful and elegant. The soloists were excellent and the singer who played Orfeo in particular. What a hard job! He was great.

I didn't get to take photos at the opera because you're not supposed to do that '-) so I took a bunch at... the after-party! Our friend Mary, who is coordinating the opera, had a party afterward in our guest suite where she's been staying with us. Mary and her husband did all the wonderfully festive decorations you see in the photo. The guest suite has never looked better!

At the party I met so many incredibly nice people. I was so excited to be able to meet some of the singers; I totally gushed my praise on them because I really admire what they do. So much talent and hard work, which made tonight's performance so great.

The lights were turned down for the party so I didn't realize my pictures weren't working very well but then I finally turned on the flash for a few more. There's a really fuzzy photo of the dancers, who are adorable. Note to self: in future, turn on the effing camera flash.

I had a couple groupie moments: there is me with Chen Shi-Zheng who is not only incredibly talented but is also charming and very fun. And there is me and Laurence Cummings who is also very talented, delightful and fun. I have several of his cd's so, once again, I got to meet someone whose music I admire which always makes my head spin.

We left the party around 12:45 so I don't know how late it actually went. It was great seeing everyone who worked so hard having a good time. Thank you, Mary, for inviting us to another amazing evening!

Comments

[Glenda]

Looks like you had a lovely evening and a wonderful time. I enjoyed the pictures.

Last night I had dinner in and then played a vicious game of Scrabble, so our evenings were somewhat similar.

Not.

[Ligia]

Dear Jan,
I found your blog accidentally by looking for things to do in London this June 06 when we (my husband and I) are going to visit for the first time. We are Californians and we enjoy high culture and we consume it here in LA. First, I want to let you know how fantastic your blog is, and how I surf it everyday for new stories. Your blog is the most tasteful blog I’ve read; it is written with common sense and it is artistically done. I was thinking of the nature of your rewards by keeping this wonderful journal. It is hard to guess your motivations, but I think that you make a great impact on people who have the chance to read it. You have the potential to become part of other people’s lives. For example, now it is night and before going to bed, I thought to see how Jan and John are doing and also see if they have seen any play recently because we would like to see a play in London and it is hard to decide which one. It is a strange feeling when I write or converse with someone I do not know, but I have the sensation that I know you just by reading your journal and participating indirectly in your life –that part of life that you want to show to the rest of the world. Anyway, great job Jan and just in case you can suggest a play to us, I would highly appreciate it.

Regards,
Ligia