Opera
 

My daughter is studying opera performance in a conservatory. She has never been to Europe. I would like to take her on her winter break in January. Any suggestions?

I have not been but opera buff friends really like Berlin. There are three outstanding opera companies so there are usually tickets available on shortish notice and ticket prices are heavily subsidized compared to the US or Paris, so the two of you can get a lot of bang for the Euro.

The other idea of course would be the Opera Grand Tour: London Covent Garden, Paris Opera Bastille, Milan La Scala, Venice La Fenice, and Vienna Saatsoper. More expensive, exhausting travel, but maybe better cities. I would give her that as a solo trip for some other occasion when she has more time.

A lot is going to depend on what is on stage at that time of year so I am topping this for you as I am sure someone will know.

One thing about some of the cities: the opera houses themselves are worth the trip for some of us.

Berlin as mentioned has several venues however the Staatsoper venue is currently under renovation I believe.

Here's a list of links to European opera houses http://goeurope.about.com/gi/o.htm?z....html%23europe
from about.com.
I'm sure a little time with Google will uncover more sources because the opera companies use the web for publicity.
The advice above about Berlin is sound. The Staatsoper has taken shelter in a small theatre which puts the audience very close to the action.
Some opera houses run backstage tours that your daughter should like. To find them you probably will have to consult individual websites. The Bastille Opera in Paris is like a factory with multiple sliding stages and huge machinery that overshadows its rather dinky auditorium. The Garnier in Paris is often open and the auditorium is a spectacle all its own (although sight lines for the actual performances can be difficult.)
Getting tickets is another issue. Favourite operas can sell out the instant they go on sale in Paris and the major Italian venues, including on-line sales. Some places do offer last-minute returned tickets but getting information can be a problem. Availability is better in Berlin. The municipal tourism offices sell tickets.

Another worthwhile venue (if for no other than the marble and gilt extravaganza which is the interior and the fact that the place has burned to the ground at least three times) is the Liceu in Barcelona.

It is unfortunate this trip has to be in January since yet another venue would be the Arena di Verona and its usual "bring out the opera workhorses from 'Aida' to 'Turandot'" which happens every summer.

I can tell you from experience those tickets went on sale some weeks ago and are already selling vigorously.

Both Opera and Opera Now, UK magazines available in the US, have European opera schedules. Opera News, the US based opera magazine often has a good deal of information about and advertising from European operas.

Thank you all for your suggestions...greatly appreciated. " The Grand Opera" tour is not an organized tour...is it?

The "Grand Opera" tour is not a real tour, just your own tour of the grand houses I mentioned, though operators of opera tours will advertise in "Opera News". These tours are expensive but they make it easy. And I am glad that Dukey reminded us of the Liceu in Barcelona; the venue is amazing, and they have had some very interesting (i.e., non traditional) productions.

Thanks....i will check out Opera News...maybe a planned tour might be a good idea