Painting by Edward Hopper, 1927
My father had season opera tickets for two. Sometimes he would invite me. I always wore my special opera dress, sewn by my mother of dark blue crepe de chine. It had tiny pleats in the bodice and to make it even more special, she had affixed antique, hand made lace to collar and cuffs. My father wore his only suit, a black suit made for him by our village tailor.
We would arrive early. To get to the Opera House we had to take the train to the city. On the way my father would explain the opera we were about to see. This time it was Gounod's Faust, a pretty heady story for an 8-year-old.
While waiting for the opera to begin, my Father wanted to know what made this occasion so special? What did I think? I mentioned the fine opera house. NO. The beautiful architecture. NO. The finely carved and gilded decorations. No. The plush, red velvet seats. No. The sound of the orchestra tuning their instruments. No. the hushed conversations. NO.
Everyone was dressed in their finery? OHHHH, YES, of course, that's it. Everyone dressed in their finery, that is what makes this occasion so special.
I wonder what ever happened to my special opera dress?
Gina
partial repost
What a lovely memory, Gina.
ReplyDeleteDear Lorrie, Yes it is a lovely memory and it happened so long ago and in another part of the world.
DeleteA story to bring a tear or two along with warm memories. My dad didn't take me anywhere special - he was always at work it seemed - but mother and I went to lots of places together, including visiting her wealthy customers' homes. You may recall she was a dressmaker - and also did alterations on their expensive clothes. One day a lady drove us home in her Rolls Royce - that was a huge treat as we always rode the bus, never had a car, times were tough in the fifties!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteDear Mary,
DeleteI can well imagine the thrill it must have been to be riding in a Rolls Royce. Did any of your friends see you?
Casual friends of ours took us to a restaurant in a Rolls Royce. I was instructed by the owner not to look left or right while he was driving. I was to act as if it was a daily experience.
I think that it something very special that your father took you to the opera at such a young age Gina, and it obviously made a lasting impression on you.
ReplyDeleteI am very proud of one of my granddaughters, who is a soprano. She recently graduated after 4 years of study with a first.
Dear Rosemary,
DeleteAnd proud you should be. Has your granddaughter recorded any of her performances?
Hello matte great blog post
ReplyDelete