Before last week, I’d never been to an opera. Have you ever been?
I would venture to say that most folks haven’t. But, last week while visiting Tennant Creek, my life changed. I saw my first opera.
It all happened when I made a phone call to Tenant Creek letting Father John know we were coming up for a visit. Father John is the local Catholic priest in Tenant Creek.
“We’re coming up on Tuesday morning and then heading back on Wednesday afternoon.” I said.
And then Fr John threw me a “curveball”, “Did you know the opera is on that evening?”
“The opera?” I asked, stalling for something to say. “An opera in Tenant Creek … is he joking.” I thought to myself.
“Yeah, the opera is on for one evening and it happens to be Tuesday.” He calmly assured me.
Then even before I could think it through completely I just blurted out, “Can we go?”
“Course you can. Want me to get you two tickets?”
“Sure.”
And the deal was done. I was going to Tennant Creek and I was going to see my first opera.
It turns out it was Father John’s first time to the opera as well.
Off to the Opera …
So, on Tuesday evening, 23 Aug 2011, Fr John, my wife Marieta and I entered the Tennant Creek Civic Hall to see La Traviata. Presented by Opera Australia.
The parking lot was packed, the seats were full. The orchestra leader entered to a rousing ovation and the opera began.
My life changed. My mother would have been proud of me. She loves the opera.
So, How was it?
I can sum it up in one word … wonderful!
All in English so I could understand everything they were saying … oops, I mean singing! It was virtually all singing.
As I watched I thought how interesting life would be if everybody just sang to each other. When you see someone in the morning, instead of the same old boring half hearted greeting, why not hit them with this;
Drop to one knee, extend your arms out wide and break out into song … GOOD MORNING TO YOU SIR AND TO YOUR FAMILY AND TO YOUR CO-WORKERS AND TO THE WHOLE WORLD!
Hard not to like someone who greets you that way in the morning …
At first I was afraid it would never end because I remember the phrase, “It ain’t over until the fat lady sings!”
And, guess what? All the ladies were skinny! There was no fat lady to end it!
Shows you how much I know about opera. It ended on time and my fears were unfounded.
I was hoping for a happy ending. Didn’t happen. Very sad. But, also very touching and moving.
I left the Tennant Creek Civic Hall with a big smile. As I looked around, I noticed smiles on a lot of faces. Lots of discussion. A general sense of satisfaction; of having been thoroughly entertained; of getting great value for money; of seeing some sensational talent.
You just never know what’s going to happen when you make the trek to Tennant Creek. For me, it was my first opera.
When’s your next trip to Tennat Creek.