Die Zauberflote- The Magic Flute

Today, I went to see what experts say is Mozart's best and most famous opera, The Magic Flute. I'd never seen it before so I wasn't quite sure what to expect. It seemed to me to be a strange modern interpretation but thankfully I was prepped by my professor with a quote from Al Einstein. To summarize, he basically said that if you didn't appreciate The Magic Flute, you were uncultured and barbaric. I most definitely didn't want to seem barbaric so I tried my best to get the most out of the performance. It might seem strange that I had a hard time- here's why: Nosebleed seats. There's no nice way to put it. In an opera house that seats around 2,000, this could be a slight problem. To top it off, I was in the far corner with a view of about 1/4 of the stage so most of the opera consisted of me listening to nice German music. However, it was pretty fabulous. I was able to lean quite far of the railing to view 1/3 of the stage.

Here's just a glimpse of my expressions during the Opera. Shock after finding the Queen of the Night was really the "bad guy" and pure joy after Papageno finds Papagena.



Anyway, I went on a little Opera House tour beforehand and here are a few fun facts.
The Opera House was built from 1861-1869, both architects died before it was even finished. It wasn't at all popular with the public at the time. After WWII, almost the entire building had to be rebuilt. The facade, entrance hall, and main foyer were restored to their original style. In the Opera house the emperor got an entire room to himself, which led right out to the center box. Lights in the room meant the emperor was attending so, naturally everyone tried to get tickets. The sly Austrians sometimes turned the lights on even when the emperor was absent, just to boost ticket sales. Today, the Opera has a season from September to the end of June (sorry mom) and only has 4 "black out" days, seriously tiring work for these people. They perform about 45 different operas throughout the year and every one is 97% sold out. The Opera has a yearly budget of about 90 million euros. I know your jaw just dropped. Really, it's true. But I haven't even told you the best part. Every year there is an Opera Ball. They raise the orchestra pit and put out a huge dance floor. Debutantes open the dance with a waltz and only pay 100 euros to do so (They have to try out as well, of course). In case you want to attend, here's the info. Next year, the ball is on February 16. It's only 280 euros for a ticket, but that doesn't quite guarantee that you'll get in. Around 6,000 people want to see this event. But you'd better fork over your euros if you even want a chance. Next, you'll want to rent a box, or at least a table. A table is 500 euros, a box, well, start saving. 20,000 euros. I'll need to start saving now and never buy another thing till I'm 90. Consequently I will be moving home and enlisting myself into the parent welfare program. Also, I may have to sneak in a picnic basket because, despite all the euros I've already given, I haven't even paid for my food. All in all, it sounds like a jolly good time. It seems the closest I'll get is to have Owen tell his millionaire ward buddy to go.
Here's a glimpse-



Look's fabulous doesn't it? Start saving :)