Over the course of almost 150 years now, Aida, by composer Giuseppe Verdi, has come to be regarded as one of “opera’s best-loved and most enduring works.” Appropriately, its performances are regarded as a highlight of the 2018-2019 season at The Metropolitan Opera in New York. [1,2,3]
Next month, Emagine Theatre in Saline will host a special live transmission showing of soprano Anna Netrebko in the title role, against mezzo-soprano Anita Rachvelishvili as Amneris. [4]
- October 6 (Saturday), with show starting at 12:55pm
David DiChiera, founder of the Michigan Opera Theater, provided one of the most accessible — and insightful — plot summaries available, in connection with Aida performances at Detroit Opera House. Appropriately, it is available for viewing online. Sadly, Dr DiChiera passed away last Friday. [5,6,7,8]
For those who are indoctrinated, the measure of Aida at Emagine Saline will be judged in terms of its fidelity to what those in New York will be enjoying before them. But what of those who are opera novices? simply curious? would appreciate a bit of hand holding? intimidated?
Online primers should prove sufficiently valuable in road-mapping introductions and preparations; it’s also helpful when they serve up such guidance through leading by example with full embrace of the fun to be had at the opera. A few such offerings include “Everyone can be an opera buff. Here are 7 steps to get started” and “How to survive your first opera.” [9,10]
Attending the opera can be a very social experience. Elements that can appear over-the-top should be thought of as merely enhancing the indulgence. And this is one place where “spoiler alerts” never seem frowned upon. Embrace all of that as it comes — and more.
As always, before finalizing plans, check the Emagine Entertainent website to verify show dates and times.
References
- “Opera Profile: Verdi’s Ode to Ancient Egypt, ‘Aida’” Logan Martell, OperaWire.
- “Giuseppe Verdi” The Metropolitan Opera.
- The Metropolitan Opera (home page).
- Emagine Entertainment (showtimes).
- Michigan Opera Theater (home page).
- “Dr David DiChiera tells the story of Aida” Detroit Opera House (May 6, 2013) YouTube.
- “Detroit Opera House” Broadway in Detroit.
- “David DiChiera, Who Gave Opera a Home in Detroit, Dies at 83” Daniel E Slotnik (September 21, 2018) The New York Times.
- “Everyone can be an opera buff. Here are 7 steps to get started” Phil Edwards (August 9, 2015) Vox.
- “How to survive your first opera” John Crace (August 19, 2011) The Guardian.
