June 20, 2007
Opera vacations: press release turned musical travel idea article
I get a lot of emails from different companies who want free publicity. Most of the time they want me to publish their press release (obviously the one offering me a free cruise on Liberty of the Seas was a nice change of pace) but most of them aren't really inspiring. I mean here we have big companies that make a lot more money than I do looking for what amounts to free advertising.
This one is different so here is the first press release I'm publishing on this blog. Actually now it's more an article on different opera-related vacation ideas than the original press release. I asked the company to add some real travel ideas for people who like opera but know next to nothing about it (like me). Anyway, here goes:
Multi-lingual text technology from http://Figaro-Systems.com motivates travelers to go see Opera around the world at some of the worlds most historical and forward thinking spaces - because Figaro is making enjoying arias easier.
Finally, you can get into opera with the aid of a simple technology that is revolutionizing live subtitling. With supertitles, everyone can keep up with the story. And if the opera house has our seatback system, just push the little red button from Figaro Systems, and you can glance at simultaneous translations on the back of the seat in front of you.
Theater goers now expect a similarly connected experience that can offer them performance notes, and simultaneous translations in up to seven different languages on cutting edge screens. The message is: now you can get into Opera without knowing a thing about it, just push the little red button from Figaro Systems.
These are just some of the houses running Figaro subtitles or supertitles.
New York, Metropolitan Opera: Kirov Ring cycle.
Wiener Staatsoper:
Vienna is a city of cafes, and is the second home to Motzart, who was born a cobblestone’s throw away in Salzburg. The light charms of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's Die Zauberflöte have long rendered it a favorite of both experienced operagoers and first-time attendees. Set against an Egyptian backdrop, the plot seamlessly unites comedy, romance, and intrigue. The opera's musical highlights are some of the most memorable in the operatic canon, including an overture that is a fixture in concert repertoire and the Queen of the Night's celebrated aria, "Der hölle rache."
http://www.staatsoper.at/Content.Node2/en/spielplan/saisonvorschau.php?month=
Royal Opera House:
London is known for many things, and one of those things is the Royal Opera House. A classic tale of love, betrayal, and sacrifice, Giuseppe Verdi's Rigoletto unfolds in the court of the Duke of Mantua. A poor jester goes to great lengths to shield his daughter from the excesses of the aristocracy, with tragic results. Verdi's lush score is punctuated by classic arias such as the Duke's "La donna è mobile" and several spectacular ensemble pieces.
http://esales.roh.org.uk/tickets/production.aspx?pid=120
The Santa Fe Opera:
The southwestern city dedicated to the arts has a forward thinking reputation. The Santa Fe Opera has long been known for its commitment to presenting new works from rising contemporary composers. The 2007 season is no exception, featuring the American premiere of Tan Dun's widely acclaimed Tea: A Mirror of Soul. In this work, based upon the story of a doomed love affair between a Japanese monk and a Chinese princess, organic sounds of nature unite with vocal, percussive, and orchestral strains to evoke the power of the four elements.
http://www.santafeopera.org/TEA/
Teatro alla Scala, Piermarini:
This is one of the worlds most famous opera houses, in Milan, and includes a museum dedicated to one thing – opera, of course. Giuseppe Verdi's La Traviata offers a heartbreaking glimpse into the life of a courtesan. Based upon a play by Alexander Dumas, this audience favorite goes far beyond a typical love story to explore themes such as filial duty and the transience of pleasure. With dazzling arias and sumptuous duets, the tragedy of La Traviata is a joy to behold.
http://www.teatroallascala.org/public/LaScala/index.html
Opera Theatre of St. Louis:
Who knew the home of the Cardinals was also hosting one of the funniest opera’s of all time this summer? Gilbert and Sullivan's comic opera The Mikado deserves its status as one of the most frequently performed musical theatre pieces in history. Set in Japan, the work centers around an absurd plot: the Lord High Executioner must execute himself unless he can find a replacement. With its beloved music and brilliant libretto, The Mikado offers a hilarious send-up of the British obsessions of the Victorian era. Hurry, the last performance is on June 23rd
http://www.opera-stl.org/Season_Operas_show1.aspx
Des Moines Metro Opera:
Yes, Iowa has more than farms and political primaries – and Des Moines is actually a pretty happening town. Georges Bizet's Carmen is already sold out, but many critics consider Giuseppe Verdi's Otello to be one of the composer's finest works. Based on William Shakespeare's epic tragedy, the opera's sophisticated musical themes underscore a classic tale of love and jealousy. With stunning choral passages and rich orchestration, Otello offers viewers an intense and moving theatrical experience.
http://www.desmoinesmetroopera.org/event_otello.htm
Posted by James Trotta at June 20, 2007 1:42 PM | TrackBack