Opera in Verona

[Cathyhuns]

I am thinking of taking my husband to the Opera festival in Verona.

If anyone has been, is it worth splashing out on the expensive tickets in the centre of the theatre or reserved seats or are the unreserved seats OK?

Also, does anyone know how easy it is to get from Milan to Verona on the train? I've tried the trenitalia website and it appears to show just one train a day.

[Mr Veritas]

The problem with the unreserved seats is that they are on the (original hard stone) Roman steps.They have no back as your back is only supported by the step above you,and peoples feet can get in the way of that!
You can take cushions with you,,or can (usually) hire cushions there on the night.
With these seats you can be right at the furthest from the stage,or nearer but at the sides.As they are called the seats are indeed "unreserved" which means "first come first served".So if you are younger and nimble you may get a good seat,or if you are not and arrive later you may get a poorer seat.
The reserved seats are in the flat stalls section.It's not only that these are better (and infinitely more comforatble,being proper seats)but the whole opera production is aimed (sight wise) at these seats.Of course the very high up stone seats may have a better view,but you are so far away it may as well be on TV (and the sound is often very bad up there too).
Considering the difference in price (for a one off amazing night) we always go for the reserved seats.

[Mr Veritas]

Please bear in mind also that there are no surtitiles at Verona to give you a translation,so I would always go for an opera that you know the story of.
These pictures may give you an idea of what I mean:~
Unreserved seats
http://www.sights-and...erona-Arena-opera.jpg

http://upload.wikimed...ly_arena_DSC08030.JPG

Reserved Seats
http://lh3.ggpht.com/...IvXYzz-w/DSC02132.JPG

http://www.nozio.com/img/verona_arena2.jpg

[Mr Veritas]

PS:~
A compromise is probably to book a reserved seat on the lower stepped area,these have proper seats,AND you can choose where to sit.

[Mr Veritas]

hello again,
I have had a chance to look for trains.
I do agree that the TrenItalia website is not very helpful!
This one at least shows you approx 4 trains around the time you enter.
The journey time Milan to Verona is about one and a half hours.
The only problem I can forsee is that the performance may end AFTER the last Verona~Milan train has left,but it will need thorough searching of this website to confirm or otherwise.
http://plannerint.b-r...query.exe/en?L=profi&
If the last train to Milan is before the performance ends,I can only suggest staying in a cheap pensione;but id you do decide this do it soon as these places DO get booked up early.

[Mr Veritas]

PS:~
Even using the TrenItalia website,there are several trains Milan Verona each day,and back,but of course making sure when the last return train leaves.

[Cathyhuns]

Many thanks for all your answers. I'll probably go for reserved seats after all.

And thanks for the tip on making sure we understand the story. This is our first time to an opera and I'm really looking forward to it.

[Mr Veritas]

You are more than welcome!
The operas at the arena this year are:~
Turandot
http://www.ompersonal...ar/music/turandot.htm
Aida
http://italian-opera....cfm/aida_verdis_opera
Madam Butterfly
http://www.musicwithe...tterfly-synopsis.html
Carmen
http://www.metoperafa.../synopsis.aspx?id=117
There is only one other opera at Verona this year,that is Verdi's great work "Il Trovatore" (The Troubadour) I haven't provided a plot synopsis for this,as it has a very silly and complicated plot!
Verdi's music is great,but the story isn't,and even opera buffs like me can get the plot muddle up so I would avoid it,and go for any of the others above,which should be fine for an opera newcomer.
Have Fun!