[foxa]

I'm still trying to figure out what my first ROH opera should be (thanks for the suggestions received so far.) However I received news of this special offer and don't know that it's right for me, but thought I'd pass it on:


Get Orchestra Stalls tickets for Beethoven's only opera Fidelio for £75

Ludwig Van Beethoven's only opera Fidelio opens shortly in a new production at the Royal Opera House conducted by Music Director Antonio Pappano.

Guardian Unlimited readers can take advantage of a special offer on Thursday 14 June or Monday 18 June at 7.30pm to buy Orchestra Stalls tickets for £75 (usual price £185).


++++++++++

I think you can get more details via the guardian website.

[richard]

You can always tell when a production isn't selling - constant advertising and then 'special offers'.
The photo used in the advertising is enough to give some idea of what a ghastly evening it is likely to be - all pc and 'relevant'. Fidelio is an opera that is vulnerable to this kind of approach. I wouldn't touch it with a barge pole.

[curzon]

You can always tell when a production isn't selling - constant advertising and then 'special offers'.
The photo used in the advertising is enough to give some idea of what a ghastly evening it is likely to be - all pc and 'relevant'. Fidelio is an opera that is vulnerable to this kind of approach. I wouldn't touch it with a barge pole.

Actually it's a pretty good production (apart from a couple of miscalculations). It's the same one that was done at the Met and Chicago with Mattila. It's worth seeing for her riveting and fearless interpretation. I don't know why it's not selling

Sebastian

[coated peanuts]

Actually it's a pretty good production (apart from a couple of miscalculations). It's the same one that was done at the Met and Chicago with Mattila. It's worth seeing for her riveting and fearless interpretation. I don't know why it's not selling

Sebastian

The cheap seats seem to be going, it's just the people with deep pockets staying away. Saying that, I wouldn't fork out £75 on my first opera. Unless you do have deep pockets, the amphitheatre is the only place to be and I found that being up high doesn't bother me too much with an opera, seeing that most performers aren't naturally talented actors and the sound carries very well.

You could try for Rigoletto. It's on in July and there are still some affordable seats available.

[curzon]

The cheap seats seem to be going, it's just the people with deep pockets staying away. Saying that, I wouldn't fork out £75 on my first opera. Unless you do have deep pockets, the amphitheatre is the only place to be and I found that being up high doesn't bother me too much with an opera, seeing that most performers aren't naturally talented actors and the sound carries very well.

You could try for Rigoletto. It's on in July and there are still some affordable seats available.

No, I wouldn't advise "Fidelio" for a first foray into opera either. Rigoletto is a pretty good bet - Good music, plenty of "tunes" and a very strong story. I can't remember what the cast is but it's an ok production.
As for seating I personally prefer the Ampitheatre to any other area anyway (especially the front for sound)

Sebastian

[richard]

No, I wouldn't advise "Fidelio" for a first foray into opera either. Rigoletto is a pretty good bet - Good music, plenty of "tunes" and a very strong story. I can't remember what the cast is but it's an ok production.
As for seating I personally prefer the Ampitheatre to any other area anyway (especially the front for sound)

Sebastian

Fidelio reviews seem to confirm my worst fears.

[foxa]

Has anyone else noticed that the ROH website seems to be playing up something rotten? Have been trying to look for over a day at the availability of Rigoletto tickets, but keep getting error messages.

(I am also kicking myself for not getting tickets for the Ballet Mixed Programme this weekend, which I bet is going to be fantastic.)

[Montmartre]

If it your first time to hear an opera there, I don't think Fidelio is such a good choice. Choose perhaps an opera by Verdi.

[foxa]

If it your first time to hear an opera there, I don't think Fidelio is such a good choice. Choose perhaps an opera by Verdi.

Okay, you have definitely talked me out of the Fidelio. After reading all the raves about Death in Venice at the ENO, I wished I 'd booked for that.

I'm still haven't diabolical problems with the ROH website - I recently joined the Friends of Covent Garden but can't even log in! Is it just me?

[foxa]

IF anyone else is having problems, I've just had a reply from the ROH. Apparently since they got their new online website, it is now incompatible with certain browsers, including AOL. Grrrrr....