Some people find it hard to believe that I've never been to an opera. I guess they are surprised because Nena is a singer (in that style), but growing up in the culturally challenged town of Pittsburgh, PA, I had little exposure to opera growing up.
In fact, my first opera experience of any sort was in a freshman humanities class at Allegheny College. We studied Don Giovanni for a nice chunk of the term, reading, listening...and I'll admit that I went out and bought the CD. I really liked it. But that was the last humanities class I took outside of the writing arena...and I was a biology major so I didn't need much anyway.
Well, tomorrow night, Nena and I are headed to the Metropolitan Opera to see Die Fledermaus -- it's one of my gifts to Nena for Christmas. And as it turns out, it will be her first-ever trip to the Metropolitan Opera, which surpised me when I found out as she's been saying for years that she wanted to go. I assumed she'd been and wanted a return visit.
Anyway, she is beyond excited and I'll admit to sharing in her anticipation.
Do I know anything about the show? Nope.
Do I know a word of German? Nope.
But I hear there are subtitles in ever seat, so I should be fine.
Wanting to eat at a somewhat casual place nearby, I made us reservations at Arte Cafe, a neighborhood Italian spot that promises to be satisfying. In looking at their wine list, I see some interesting, reasonably priced stuff that I'm looking forward to checking out.
Anyone know of any wine bars in the area?
Hi Lenn,
If you were going to see Don Giovanni, I would have suggested going BYOB with a bottle of Marzemino (an obscure Italian grape variety) which is referred to extensively in the opera as "Eccellente Marzemino!"
The only bonefide wine bar nearby is Divine Bar on 54th St which is OK if you can put up the the boom boom beat in the background. (you might be better off heading to Morrell's in Rock. Center)
Uptown at 72nd and columbus is SQC, a very good casual wine restaurant with a small bar and good prices.
Perhaps music related wine could be a WBW theme?
Have fun at the opera,
Steve
Posted by: Steve De Long | January 06, 2006 at 12:58 PM
SIL,
Have a wonderful time- while yes it is true there are subtitles- the music speaks for itself so just sit back and enjoy! I saw her face Christmas morning- it IS her favorite gift.
MIL
Posted by: MIL | January 06, 2006 at 01:11 PM
Steve,
Thanks for the tips. We've been to Morrell at Rock Center several times. I may have to check out SQC with the wife...perhaps for after-dinner drinks before heading to the Met.
MIL,
Yeah...I think I did pretty well with this gift :)
Posted by: Lenn | January 06, 2006 at 01:15 PM
Just found your blog. Your post makes me want to brave the chilly air and visit NYC.
Posted by: coglethorpe | January 06, 2006 at 02:41 PM
Lenn,
Don Giovanni is about the only opera I've ever seen that didn't send ME right to sleep. Have a gooooood time.
BTW, at intermission the still wines are pretty bad but the sparkling not too. Drink up!
Posted by: Terry Hughes | January 06, 2006 at 06:01 PM
Just returned from New York City and two Metropolitan operas last week. I ran across your site by accident. Why do you refer to Pittsburgh as culturally challenged? I've lived there all of my life and have never wanted for anything cultural to do. Perhaps if you do a little research you'll find Pittsburgh ranked surprisingly high in availability of cultural events. I hope you enjoyed NYC and the Met as much as I do and I also hope you've developed a love of opera to carry with you throughout life.
Posted by: jim kingsley | October 08, 2007 at 10:37 AM
Some time before, I needed to buy a good house for my business but I did not earn enough cash and could not order something. Thank heaven my colleague suggested to get the loan at banks. Therefore, I acted that and used to be satisfied with my term loan.
Posted by: DONAMoreno33 | October 15, 2010 at 05:53 PM