Added: 01/05/2006 |
In the previous centuries opera houses served as meeting spots for the privileged society, the so-called 'cream of the crop'. The nobles met each other, talked and, of course, showed themselves. Beautiful ladies dressed in the latest fashion, noble gentlemen in tail-coats and top hats, the whisper of fans and the shine of diamonds - all this permanently accompanied the evenings at opera theatres. Now the times have changed, and, perhaps, even to the better for the opera itself. These days people go to the theatre principally to listen to beautiful music and enjoy fascinating performances, chic attire and jewellery boxes left at home.
Millions of people are fond of opera always doing their best to see all possible performances and being up on all news and events of the world of theatre. And opera festivals coming into the light of the day more and more often are primarily intended to satisfy these opera devotees. Today a lot of opera festivals annually take place all around the globe. Rich sponsors, best actors and thousands of guests become a part of the gala events in a hope to get unforgettable impressions and pleasant memories.
The most famous American opera festival takes place in Canada. It is usually held in summer and includes three events: Lake George Opera Festival, Festival of Chautauqua Institution and Glimmerglass Opera Festival. All these holidays are worth seeing; they occur in the most marvelous theatres of the country, and their performance quality is so high that nobody doubts: a good reputation of Canadian Opera Festival is meritorious. The Festival schedule is always made up in such a way that visitors are able to see most of the performances during a few days. The managers of the Festival always do their best to guarantee all possible comfort and satisfaction.
Perhaps, the oldest opera festival in the world is Edinburgh International Festival established in 1947. It presents performances three weeks long in late summer, the city's six best theatres - the Usher Hall, the Festival Theatre, the Edinburgh Playhouse, the King's Theatre, the Royal Lyceum Theatre, and the Queen's Hall - being specially equipped for the shows. In fact, the theatres are so beautiful that they attract not less people than the Festival itself.
Still, the main occasion of the sort ranked top in the planet's calendar of cultural events is no doubt Wexford Opera Festival. The event has gained its reputation as the one making public the forgotten or rare works issued from the pen of outstanding composers and writers. You will never find the performances offered at Wexford Opera Festival anywhere else. The unique atmosphere of the theatre impels thousands of opera admirers to visit it.
If you are a young artist Wexford is a perfect place for you to prove yourself. Beware: after the Festival you may get the world fame overnight! A lot of modern brilliant artists, such as Mirella Freni, Janet Baker, Fiorenza Cosotto, and others began their way to the glory from the very this opera holiday. Indeed, opera is a very special art. It includes a great many elements, all getting new meanings when in a single performance. Opera is not to be talked about. It is to be listened, and then drawn to a conclusion. You may like opera or not, but one thing is for sure: opera cannot leave indifferent.
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