The Metropolitan Opera (and I had a chance to see it in person when I toured Lincoln Center in high school) has seen its share of performances throughout the years. I know that opera is not everyone's cup of tea. I do not normally make a conscious decision to go see and opera, but there are some operas that I feel are worthwhile and integral part of our culture.
As I think back on opera, I have to say my favorite opera is Carmen. I think that the story has always drawn me in. I have never seen it live, but I saw a version on video starring Jose Carreras, and I was blown away. On a lighter side, I like The Magic Flute. I did get to see this live in high school. They sang it in English--which was nice. But I also saw it on video in German, and I enjoyed it just as much.
I tried for years to teach my students to appreciate opera, but I have to admit I was not very successful. Most people are not willing to sit through an opera when it is completely sung in a different language. I really do understand, but there is something really stirring about seeing a good opera. I can't quite explain it. When an opera is performed in a language that is not its original, I have to say that it loses something. I think it is very much a lost art in this day and age, and I really do understand. People are not interested in my voice since I am classically trained.
Oh well, enough rambling. If you are interested, here are a couple sites to check out for more information.
http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/today/oct22.html
http://timelines.com/1883/10/22/the-metropolitan-opera-house-opens
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