“Forget all that—
it is nothing compared to what I am going to do.
For I am about to do something new.
See, I have already begun! Do you not see it?
I will make a pathway through the wilderness.
I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.
The wild animals in the fields will thank me,
the jackals and owls, too,
for giving them water in the desert.
Yes, I will make rivers in the dry wasteland
so my chosen people can be refreshed.” – Isaiah 43

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Up front, here’s my disclaimer for today: Typically, I’m not an opera kind of a guy. That said, fortunately I don’t tend to let that kind of prejudicial peremptory judgment close down the possibilities of learning and growth.

I’ll be honest, I’ve had to grow into this level of open-spirited living; and I’m not just talking about opera any more. I spent too many years with a narrow spirit and a mostly closed mind; and, interestingly, most of my growth in this area has come in response to faith. It turns out that I follow a God who is much more of a “Yes-saying,” “Encouraging,” and “Permission-giving” God than the, “It’s all about what I’m against, who I hate, and who I’m sending to hell” version advertised by so many religious fundamentalists.

A Night at the Opera:

But I digress. Today’s post features a few more photos from around Vicenza and an unforgettable night at the Roman amphitheater in Verona, where we experienced a spectacular full-cast, full-orchestra presentation of Georges Bizet’s epic Carmen.

Verona itself is a beautiful, historic destination. We walked through an ancient city gate, ate dinner at open air tables on the piazza across from the Teatro Filarmonico, then strolled across to the amazing Arena di Verona.

The amphitheater was built in 60 AD and is almost 100% intact today. Originally, the space held 30,000 people; in its operatic configuration it seats 15,000. The night we showed up there was an enthusiastic audience of around 12,000, an orchestra of maybe 75 (there were three full-sized harps!), plus a cast of some two hundred amazing voices, a children’s chorus, around 50 stage hands, and – best count – six large horses.

LAVISH: We gathered around 8:00 after an early dinner, and the maestro cued the overture at 8:30. Carmen comprises four acts, with a 20-minute interval between each one. They took their final bow around 12:35 AM.

The evening was absolutely perfect. Clear skies, in the 70’s, and a light breeze just about every time we needed it.

The word “lavish” doesn’t even begin to describe what we experienced. Clear, powerful, towering solo voices; precise, full, rich orchestral accompaniment; splendid costuming, and over-the-top set; and the chorus, when they opened up their voices, literally filled the ancient arena with joyous sound!

So, yes, I was blown away by my first real operatic experience.

OPEN YOUR HEART: If you want Italy, the cultural, passionate, full-voiced Italy you’ve read about so many times, then take a moment to check out the performance schedule for the Arena di Verona. Hook yourself up with some opera in the open air….

And, if you harbor any kind of musical prejudice against anything that doesn’t involve three guitars and a set of drums, take a moment to ask the Creator to open your heart and to broaden your mind. But, be warned, God probably won’t stop at Carmen….

More pics….