Last Night At The Opera, 2012-2013 Season

**JonathanB** · 12th April 13, 02:42 AM

GG - that's the first photo I've noticed of English style brogues worn with a kilt, rather than ghillie brogues. I've got some nice battered English brogues and I intend to wear them on semi-formal occasions and not bother with the ghillies. I'm glad to see you setting a precedent.

On the formality issue, this may be an American/European difference. The English can be self-conscious about formality (as indeed about everything else - I know, I'm English). When Americans do formality, they aren't worried. I'm thinking of the delightful Met Opera Interval Quiz in which the contestants are always Miss So and So, Mr So and So and the conductor is always Maestro Thingumy.

**David Thorpe** · 12th April 13, 04:11 AM

Not to take anything away from GG, but "English" brogues with a kilt are quite common. Several here living in Scotland have posted indicating that ghillies are pretty much passe.

GG · 12th April 13, 07:08 AM

I have had more of these brogues looking shoes, and I thought they went well with my kilts. I bought them in Italy when on holyday.

**DyerStraits** · 12th April 13, 07:09 PM

Excellent, Greg! Glad to hear I'm not the only one. And by the way, I attended this season's Lyric Opera production of La Boheme with the celebrated Anna Netrebko singing Mimi. Absolutely stunning. My girlfriend--a fine mezzo soprano herself--was in tears. I have officially added Ms Netrebko to the list of Diva's I'm Infatuated With, right next to my beloved Deborah Voigt and the exquisitely beautiful Tracy Cantin.

But, I digress. Regarding "alternative" kilt-friendly brogues (especially for dressy-casual wear)....I love, Love, LOVE these:

http://www.hushpuppies.com/US/en-US/...r?dimensions=0

The Shoe Gods obviously heard my prayers.....

**piperdbh** · 13th April 13, 06:02 AM

I'm all for wearing the kilt to the opera, but the important part is that you were in the same room with Renee Fleming.

**grizzbass** · 13th April 13, 10:04 AM

Boheme is one of my favorite operas to sing and to listen to. There are many operas that I like but in parts are less than interesting, sections that could be cut and I'd never miss them but boheme is incredible from beginning to end.

Originally Posted by DyerStraits

Excellent, Greg! Glad to hear I'm not the only one. And by the way, I attended this season's Lyric Opera production of La Boheme with the celebrated Anna Netrebko singing Mimi. Absolutely stunning. My girlfriend--a fine mezzo soprano herself--was in tears. I have officially added Ms Netrebko to the list of Diva's I'm Infatuated With, right next to my beloved Deborah Voigt and the exquisitely beautiful Tracy Cantin.

But, I digress. Regarding "alternative" kilt-friendly brogues (especially for dressy-casual wear)....I love, Love, LOVE these:

http://www.hushpuppies.com/US/en-US/...r?dimensions=0

The Shoe Gods obviously heard my prayers.....

**DyerStraits** · 13th April 13, 03:15 PM

It was my first (live) audience of La Boheme--which my girlfriend referred to endearingly as "an old chestnut"--and, relative opera novice that I still am, it certainly pushed all my buttons.....

And Ms Fleming, who is also Creative Consultant to the Lyric Opera, was, I thought, in very fine voice; the reviews of her revival of "Streetcar" seem to be generally positive, and yes, her star power was quite palpable. It was, after all, written for her, and is clearly still in perfectly good command of her instrument. It will be interesting to see what sort of impression she makes on the company's upcoming seasons.

GG · 14th April 13, 12:18 PM

La Boheme was the first opera I ever heard. It was back in 1962 when still in high school. 51 years ago and still one of my favorites. I came without any knowledge at all, but from the curtain went up and till the end I sat on the very front of the seat, looked down on the scene, the conductor and the orchestra. It was an amazing experience that I shall never forget. I must have attended it 15 times since then or more.
The girl from my class - later to become my dear dear wife - was there, too. When ever possible, wherever we go, we try to get seats for an opera or a classical concert.

**DyerStraits** · 14th April 13, 11:58 PM

Oh, for heaven's sake--so, are you saying your first date was a Night At The Opera--and La Boheme of all things? No wonder you're still together! Live Long And Prosper, Love Birds! Slainte!

GG · 15th April 13, 10:21 AM

DyerStraits, actually we not start dating each other until two years later. I was, however, at that time already in deep love with her, but it was not (yet) returned. Nevertheless she was there, half of our high school class was attending La Boheme, the other half had chosen to see a play.
And yes, we have been most happily together for 49 years by now, married for nearly 47.