Walking into the Teatro Regio in Parma is, in a way, similar to walking into Fenway Park for the very first time, minus the incredible smell of Fenway Franks and peanuts, of course. You present your ticket, get directed to your section and for that short period of time between the entrance and your section, you cannot help but start to pick up speed. There is an internal build-up, a sense of excitement for the unknown and then it happens. You walk under that small overhang or through that balcony door and you cannot help but stop, look around and take it all in. I remember my first Fenway experience, and I remember thinking about it when I walked into Teatro Regio in Parma to see Shakespeare’s and Verdi’s Otello.
Leading up to my class trip to Parma with my Comedy in Italy class, I hadn’t put much thought into what my first opera experience would be like. I had never seen the inside of an opera house, nor had I ever seen a professional opera production; therefore, I had no idea what to expect. It was all very new to me so, needless to say, I was blown away by the grandeur of the Teatro Regio – I’ve never seen anything so dignified and opulent. Everything from the ceiling, down to the legs of the chairs seemed to shine.
My professor mentioned that we had “nice seats” but I never expected to walk through two doors into a red-velvet lined balcony box on the third floor of the theater. I was afraid to sit down on the gold-trim bench because I was nervous I would ruin its utter perfection; however, I quickly got over this once the performance started.
To my surprise, according to the professional opera singer that just so happened to be sharing my balcony box with me, the production was mediocre. She told me the orchestra was the best “actor” of all of the characters, which was true; however, this did not take away from my experience at the opera. Despite the quality of the production, I was still absolutely elated by the experience I had at Teatro Regio.
Without this field trip opportunity I’m not sure I would have ever experienced an opera production. As I’ve gone on more class field trips over the past few months, whether it was here in Florence or a two hour train ride to Milan, this idea of new opportunities and experiences has become a theme, or pattern for my semester. These field trips have opened countless doors for me and have created a sense of excitement inside me when I am granted the opportunity to experience something new. Prior to this semester, I was not as open to exploring “uncharted territory;” however, with the help of my countless class trips, I’ve learned that seeking the unfamiliar, and searching for new experiences has become something that I cannot live without.
Leading up to my class trip to Parma with my Comedy in Italy class, I hadn’t put much thought into what my first opera experience would be like. I had never seen the inside of an opera house, nor had I ever seen a professional opera production; therefore, I had no idea what to expect. It was all very new to me so, needless to say, I was blown away by the grandeur of the Teatro Regio – I’ve never seen anything so dignified and opulent. Everything from the ceiling, down to the legs of the chairs seemed to shine.
My professor mentioned that we had “nice seats” but I never expected to walk through two doors into a red-velvet lined balcony box on the third floor of the theater. I was afraid to sit down on the gold-trim bench because I was nervous I would ruin its utter perfection; however, I quickly got over this once the performance started.
To my surprise, according to the professional opera singer that just so happened to be sharing my balcony box with me, the production was mediocre. She told me the orchestra was the best “actor” of all of the characters, which was true; however, this did not take away from my experience at the opera. Despite the quality of the production, I was still absolutely elated by the experience I had at Teatro Regio.
Without this field trip opportunity I’m not sure I would have ever experienced an opera production. As I’ve gone on more class field trips over the past few months, whether it was here in Florence or a two hour train ride to Milan, this idea of new opportunities and experiences has become a theme, or pattern for my semester. These field trips have opened countless doors for me and have created a sense of excitement inside me when I am granted the opportunity to experience something new. Prior to this semester, I was not as open to exploring “uncharted territory;” however, with the help of my countless class trips, I’ve learned that seeking the unfamiliar, and searching for new experiences has become something that I cannot live without.