Discussion
We’ll be in Verona in July for a special wedding anniversary and had been recommended to visit the opera.
On the dates we are there, the choice is Aida, Nabucco or Carmen.
As we aren’t ’opera people’ but expect we will enjoy the one-off experience, which of the operas is likely to be most ‘accessible / enjoyable’ for us?
Also, any advice on which seats to go for, as prices range from €20 to €200.
Thanks.
On the dates we are there, the choice is Aida, Nabucco or Carmen.
As we aren’t ’opera people’ but expect we will enjoy the one-off experience, which of the operas is likely to be most ‘accessible / enjoyable’ for us?
Also, any advice on which seats to go for, as prices range from €20 to €200.
Thanks.
Edited by Sport_Turismo_GTS on Monday 14th April 22:32
gareth h said:
We saw Aida in Verona (mrs H is an opera buff), which was very impressive, although apparently Carmen has a very good cast for this production (it almost sounds like I know what I’m talking about!)
That’s the point - I’m not sure if a better cast will necessarily make it a better experience for us or whether the story / music will be more important. I certainly don’t know what I’m talking about!Blast from the past
Maybe ten years ago and a different life (pre current wife
) I bought tickets for Verona Opera Carmen-
And a then girlfriend and I did a weekend road trip in my then 911
Quality !
I think like Twickenham and other such events - what’s on pitch is only part of the whole experience.
I do recall sitting on the stone, buying cushions but recommend any fancy seats you can take folded you can sit on and have a back to lean on
I’m sure I have some photos of the night
Maybe ten years ago and a different life (pre current wife
) I bought tickets for Verona Opera Carmen- And a then girlfriend and I did a weekend road trip in my then 911
Quality !
I think like Twickenham and other such events - what’s on pitch is only part of the whole experience.
I do recall sitting on the stone, buying cushions but recommend any fancy seats you can take folded you can sit on and have a back to lean on
I’m sure I have some photos of the night
Verona, our favorite Italian city, been 6-7 times.
We've never been there for the opera season but it is Aida that is reckoned to be the most spectacular.
A big regret is one year we went Bruce Springsteen was there in the Arena...would have dearly wished to have seen him had we known beforehand.
Needless to say, the area adjacent to the Arena, notably Piazza Bra, gets totally rammed whatever is on at the Arena.
Enjoy!
R.
We've never been there for the opera season but it is Aida that is reckoned to be the most spectacular.
A big regret is one year we went Bruce Springsteen was there in the Arena...would have dearly wished to have seen him had we known beforehand.
Needless to say, the area adjacent to the Arena, notably Piazza Bra, gets totally rammed whatever is on at the Arena.
Enjoy!
R.
I went to the opera in Verona in 2002, as part of my honeymoon. I think we saw Carmen.
Things to know:
If it rains the show stops
They don't use microphones to boost the sound
The stone seats get very uncomfortable very quickly
It's a cool venue and most of the people there are not necessarily opera buffs - really just there for the experience.
Whilst in Verona you can also visit Juliet's balcony which is a short walk away.
There are many good bars and restaurants in the area although pricey.
Things to know:
If it rains the show stops
They don't use microphones to boost the sound
The stone seats get very uncomfortable very quickly
It's a cool venue and most of the people there are not necessarily opera buffs - really just there for the experience.
Whilst in Verona you can also visit Juliet's balcony which is a short walk away.
There are many good bars and restaurants in the area although pricey.
We went last year, complete opera virgins, and just watched whatever was on the nights we were there.
It was Turandot, couldn’t tell you what on earth was going on but the big screen with subtitles on helped a little, but if you are reading that you miss what happening on stage.
For what we wanted the cheap seats were more than good enough to get the experience, although even with a cushion (purchased outside, half the price of inside and exactly the same.
) by the end it’s a bit uncomfortable.
Glad we went it’s a great experience but wouldn’t go again, would love to see someone contemporary play there though.
It was Turandot, couldn’t tell you what on earth was going on but the big screen with subtitles on helped a little, but if you are reading that you miss what happening on stage.
For what we wanted the cheap seats were more than good enough to get the experience, although even with a cushion (purchased outside, half the price of inside and exactly the same.
) by the end it’s a bit uncomfortable.Glad we went it’s a great experience but wouldn’t go again, would love to see someone contemporary play there though.
Aida or Carmen would probably have been my first choices as I have at least heard of both of them!
The main issue I have with Aida is that it takes place on the day we arrive in Verona, so if we are substantially delayed (2 hours) then we might miss the start (or just be quite tired after travelling) and not have time for food. Plus I’ve read that the production of Aida is quite futuristic with lasers etc, so not sure if that will be better or worse than a more conventional production.
We had intended to see The Magic Flute in Vienna a few years ago, and substantial flight delays meant we didn’t arrive at our hotel until after the second half had started, so it wasn’t worth trying to view the reminder of the performance.
The main issue I have with Aida is that it takes place on the day we arrive in Verona, so if we are substantially delayed (2 hours) then we might miss the start (or just be quite tired after travelling) and not have time for food. Plus I’ve read that the production of Aida is quite futuristic with lasers etc, so not sure if that will be better or worse than a more conventional production.
We had intended to see The Magic Flute in Vienna a few years ago, and substantial flight delays meant we didn’t arrive at our hotel until after the second half had started, so it wasn’t worth trying to view the reminder of the performance.
Sport_Turismo_GTS said:
The main issue I have with Aida is that it takes place on the day we arrive in Verona, so if we are substantially delayed (2 hours) then we might miss the start (or just be quite tired after travelling) and not have time for food.
They like you in about an hour before the gig starts, and will not let you in once it has started, well not until the first interval, so I'd not run that risk. Barchettaman is PH's resident opera singer, you could perhaps ask for their perspective too
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Barchettaman said:
Morning.
I think those are all excellent choices.
The only thing I would add: once you’ve booked something, put the opera on your Spotify playlist or buy the CD, get to know the tunes a bit. Obviously with Carmen you’ll know half of the tunes already.
Enjoy the experience.
Many thanks for your input - I have booked Carmen.I think those are all excellent choices.
The only thing I would add: once you’ve booked something, put the opera on your Spotify playlist or buy the CD, get to know the tunes a bit. Obviously with Carmen you’ll know half of the tunes already.
Enjoy the experience.
Sport_Turismo_GTS said:
Barchettaman said:
Morning.
I think those are all excellent choices.
The only thing I would add: once you’ve booked something, put the opera on your Spotify playlist or buy the CD, get to know the tunes a bit. Obviously with Carmen you’ll know half of the tunes already.
Enjoy the experience.
Many thanks for your input - I have booked Carmen.I think those are all excellent choices.
The only thing I would add: once you’ve booked something, put the opera on your Spotify playlist or buy the CD, get to know the tunes a bit. Obviously with Carmen you’ll know half of the tunes already.
Enjoy the experience.
Thanks for letting us know your final decision.
All the best
Sport_Turismo_GTS said:
We’re in the 2 Settore Puccini section - does that include a cushion?
I think that is these....luxury compared to the stone steps. 
But could be wrong, for a few € outside I'd get a cushion
https://operasandcycling.com/seating-in-the-arena/
raceboy said:
I think that is these....luxury compared to the stone steps.
But could be wrong, for a few € outside I'd get a cushion
https://operasandcycling.com/seating-in-the-arena/
I might stretch to one cushion and my wife and I can take in turns - 15mins then swap.But could be wrong, for a few € outside I'd get a cushion
https://operasandcycling.com/seating-in-the-arena/
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