The Arts at the Opera House

The first of two really incredible nights at the Opera House with Mum was last Saturday night for the symphony in the Concert Hall at the Opera House. It was a farewell to the conductor who has served for the last 5 years. He is a jolly round Italian, full of life and passion and smiles. The symphony played his varied selections beautifully, beginning with pieces from Beethoven's 7th, interspersed with bits of Verdi and finishing with Ravel's Bolero. Bolero is kind of Mum and my song, having heard it together a few times, most recently at the Hollywood Bowl. At the pinnacle of Bolero, confetti burst in arcs from either side of the stage and green, red and white balloons suspended above the audience were released. The enormous grin on the face of the conductor Gelmetti was in plain sight from our seats behind the orchestra. The encore was superb, with Gelmetti conducting the audience clapping as if they were the percussion.

Last Tuesday night, now professionals, Mum and I returned to the Opera House for none other than an Opera - the Pearlfishers by Bizet. It was simply enchanting. The production design alone was worth it - the ephemeral Buddha on screens, the shadow box adding simple yet astounding depth to the stage and the understated effective costumes were incredible visual cues to a rich story and magnificent voices. At intermission, I ventured out to the balcony and was wowed by the sight of the Harbour Bridge, Kirribilli House, and of course, Sydney Harbour at night.

Back inside, I grinned from ear to ear seeing my Mum and thinking how lucky I am to be with her experiencing these wonderful things together and so pleased to have moved to Sydney.

www.smh.com.au/news/entertainment/arts/passionate-embrace-ends-with-a-bang/2008/09/18/1221331045412.html
www.opera-australia.org.au/scripts/nc.dll?OPRA:PRODUCTION::pc=PC_90090