I just got home from the opera. I’ve had a crazy weird day that I can’t even begin to put in words, but let’s just say I was on edge for no apparent reason.

I got all dressed up (people asked if I had an interview…not yet ;) and escorted myself to the War Memorial Opera House, which is absolutely magnificent. I was surrounded by old people…mainly bunches of ladies out together. I loved it. What I didn’t love was the girl my age who was in front of me and thought it was okay to rustle a plastic food wrapper in the middle of the show. She got several looks. She was not phased.

Idomeneo was great! I win for jumping straight in to the 3-hour show (3.5 with intermission). Started out beautifully with Genia Kuhmeier, an amazing soprano who I really hope to see again. Sadly, Alice Coote, the mezzo soprano I was really looking forward to seeing was out with a back injury. Her replacement wasn’t bad, but I know Alice would have been better. There was a big “awww” from the attendees when they announced Alice’s absence.

I loved the show until I realized it was a woman playing one of the leading men. It took the rest of the first act for me to embrace a guy with so high/girly of a voice. Luckily, there were few solos in the remaining two acts.

Act II took me to heaven. Kurt Streit played the role of Idomeneo. He was equally amazing. He & Genia ruled the show. Act II was everything I loved about Mozart. Big haunting chorus, minor chords, and chilling vocals. Act III carried it on pretty well, but the story was a bit happier by then. I got goosebumps multiple times. It was incredible!

And the orchestra…of course, amazing. I was literally 3 or 4 rows from the very, very top/back, but the sound of the orchestra still felt like it reached up and wrapped its arms around me. Genia’s voice was the only other to match them. She could project. It made me so happy every time she sang. The first performance of Act II was one of my favorites. Based on the applause, I think everyone else agreed with me. But yes, I need to get symphony tickets as well. I’d forgotten the effect of a live orchestra. Gives me chills.

Despite my doubts early in the show, I left a fan. I loved getting dressed up and being in a place where it was impossible to feel over-dressed. And I loved old ladies, happy to lend a smile. I hope I sit closer to some next show. I need to make some friends. I eavesdropped on some charming stories :)

However, I came home to a string of really disappointing work emails, which will require me getting to the office early. It’s already well after midnight. Goodnight, Mozart.