Editor:
OPERA IS AFFORDABLE! [Re: "10th anniversary of Opera in the Park"]
Contrary to the remark quoted in your article of July 11, it is possible to enjoy live opera performances without breaking the budget. Yes, the best seats are costly, but that's true in sports venues as well. Here are some opportunities your readers should know about.
San Francisco Opera has "rush" days for students and military (sfopera.com/rush) and standing room for anyone. Civic Center BART station is a few minutes' walk away.
Opera San Jose (which is only one hour away via 680 and is a superb company performing in a gorgeous theatre) has subscriptions starting at $100 for 4 operas. The city garage one block away charges $5 for parking evenings and Sundays. (operasj.org)
Our wonderful region is also home to Livermore Valley Opera, West Bay Opera (performing in Palo Alto), West Edge Opera (Berkeley), and Island City Opera (Alameda), all charging very modest fees.
And of course the Met broadcasts live performances of world-class singers to our local movie theatres on Saturday mornings (encores on Wednesdays) for about $25 (metopera.org/Season/In-Cinemas). Pleasant Hill and Walnut Creek cinemas broadcast these. Bet you can't get a good stadium seat for that! - let alone paying for parking and the outrageous prices for inferior food at ball parks.
I'm glad that the Orinda Rotary Club offers a charming outdoor summer opera event - what a great way to introduce people to this wonderful art form! Let's be sure your readers know that after their first taste, there are many ways to afford opera.
Linda Riebel
Lafayette
OPERA IS AFFORDABLE! [Re: "10th anniversary of Opera in the Park"]
Contrary to the remark quoted in your article of July 11, it is possible to enjoy live opera performances without breaking the budget. Yes, the best seats are costly, but that's true in sports venues as well. Here are some opportunities your readers should know about.
San Francisco Opera has "rush" days for students and military (sfopera.com/rush) and standing room for anyone. Civic Center BART station is a few minutes' walk away.
Opera San Jose (which is only one hour away via 680 and is a superb company performing in a gorgeous theatre) has subscriptions starting at $100 for 4 operas. The city garage one block away charges $5 for parking evenings and Sundays. (operasj.org)
Our wonderful region is also home to Livermore Valley Opera, West Bay Opera (performing in Palo Alto), West Edge Opera (Berkeley), and Island City Opera (Alameda), all charging very modest fees.
And of course the Met broadcasts live performances of world-class singers to our local movie theatres on Saturday mornings (encores on Wednesdays) for about $25 (metopera.org/Season/In-Cinemas). Pleasant Hill and Walnut Creek cinemas broadcast these. Bet you can't get a good stadium seat for that! - let alone paying for parking and the outrageous prices for inferior food at ball parks.
I'm glad that the Orinda Rotary Club offers a charming outdoor summer opera event - what a great way to introduce people to this wonderful art form! Let's be sure your readers know that after their first taste, there are many ways to afford opera.
Linda Riebel
Lafayette
Reach the reporter at:
Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA