Date Night At the Opera with Houston Grand Opera
A special thank you to the Houston Grand Opera for hosting Jhonathan and I for the evening.
Why the Opera?
Last year I was introduced to opera. I have always been exposed to the arts since I have very young, attending Museum of Fine Arts exhibits, attending plays and broadway musicals, the symphony, and the ballet..this list goes on and on, but I had never been to the opera! So I had the opportunity to see La Boheme and was completely blown away. The opera offers singing, acting, all while a live score is being played.
Date Night Begins!
Jhonathan and I had the date night of all date nights at the opera, a few weekends ago celebrating the start of the season at Houston Grand Opera, with the opener of Rigoletto, followed by the HGO annual gala. Now this night was not a “normal” night at the opera, it was on a much grander scale, but I can give you a bit of what all this night entailed, and what to expect at a performance throughout the season.
So…What Do You Wear?
So one thing that made this night different was that it was black tie. Only the opening season performance is black tie at HGO aside from that, you can wear something nice, but it does not have to be formal. You can wear cocktail or church attire. I have added a few recommendations below if you would like some outfit inspiration.
Young Professionals Opportunities
Opera is not just for the older generations anymore. I encourage anyone who has an appreciation for the arts, to get a ticket and see what the opera is all about. If you are a young professional, HGO actually has special opportunities and initiatives for you! There are mixers and parties just for you, and even exclusive ticket bundles! During the opening season performance, there was a young professionals mixer during the first intermission. Drinks and savory snacks were provided, as well as a chance to mingle and take pictures. With this, they have additional mixers which gives you a chance to meet some of the performers and members of HGO along with other young professionals just like yourself.
Back to Date Night & the Performance
Jhonathan and I arrived early to pick up our tickets from will call and headed up the grand escalator for a drink and snack before the show. The Wortham has a beautiful grand fourier with ample seating and places to enjoy before the show begins. We took a few pictures and read through the program to get a quick understanding of the show beforehand.
About 15 minutes before showtime we made our way to our seats. The theater is beautiful with comfortable velvet fold down seats with curved cushioned backs. I recommend sitting at orchestra level near rows L, M, N, O as this is near the middle and you have ideal viewing of the stage from all angles, and perfect placement to read the captioned screen. Yes, that’s right! Even if you don’t know the language of the opera, they have translated captions displayed in real time so you are able to follow along with every step.
Rigoletto
If you are curious, Rigoletto was a very dark opera full of deceit, murder, lust, betrayal, and a curse. It involved 2 intermissions and 3 acts, so the show moved very quickly. The second act was extremely eventful and I felt as if it was building the entire time and before I knew it, it was over! I couldn’t wait for act 3 to begin so that I could find out what was going to happen. It was incredibly gripping and entertaining, with some of the most talented vocalist I have ever heard.
I was in, and am in total awe of the performers as they are so extremely talented at their art, and keep in mind, they are performing live, to live music lead by a conductor and it all feels so real, you can truly feel the emotion being conveyed. It’s such an extraordinary thing to experience and I believe so many would gain something from seeing it!
The Gala
Once the show concluded we made our way to the front of the building and entered the tent for the Gala. Everyone was dressed impeccably, and the food was elegant and delicious! We thoroughly enjoyed the conversation and company we had for the evening as it is always lovely to network and meet new people. The gala was also a time to really appreciate all of the performers, the opera donors and everyone who makes it possible to keep this art alive and thriving in Houston, and we were so humbled to be a part of the evening.
Post Show Takeaways
On the way home Jhonathan and I discussed the performance, our takeaways, opinions, thoughts, interpretations, and I think that is what it’s all about. Enlightening people, educating them, and giving you the chance to think and feel something you otherwise might not have. Any date where you leave with lots to talk about is a successful date to me, and that is what the opera has to offer!
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