It’s certainly not my normal go to event. But through a friend of a friend of a friend they were looking for numbers to attend this once off oratorio opera performance.
It was amazing. Maybe not on an international level. But as a community event, impressive. Just watching the young tenor. After accomplishing each feat scaling from high to low, watching him smile, as if a huge sigh of relief he did it. The bass singer at interval, anxiously rehearsing his lines for his next testing performance. The opera singer, orchestra and the choir filling the normally somber high walled building with an impressively moving and uplifting musically rich experience.
But in many ways it was disappointing to see the spare pews in the back quarter of this local Fremantle church. An enormous amount of effort would have gone into what was claimed a first in Australia to perform this Prodigal Son opera. Apparently because of its difficulty. But is it the measure of a sell out crowd, or as much the satisfaction of being an active part of a community and the personal growth.
Reminds me of when, for some reason, I had decided to sing to my wife for our 25th wedding anniversary. With no more experience than performing in a shower, I took up singing lessons. Along with my neighbour who thought it would be a good idea too, I set about to master this challenge. Like this opera, but unbeknown to me, I took on a difficult challenge. Unchained Melody. I did at least achieve one major outcome though. I learned to appreciate what makes other more much gifted singers great. I did carry through with my performance. Though without the extra pressure of the young tenor last night, I did also share a smile of accomplished relief when I’d finished.
For someone not an opera enthusiast, going to such a performance is a bit like adventurous travel. You never know what new experience you’ll come across. In a way it’s exhilarating experiencing unfamiliar things. There’s other positives too. Not only is it supporting your community, but there’s always something to learn mixing with people outside our familiar social circles.
For people who are new to adventurous travel, this is exactly the advice experienced women solo world travelers highlighted when I recently interviewed them for the Youthful Midlife Traveler. Particularly for new singles, their advice was to find events in the local community to simply get comfortable with just getting out and talking to new people, without the comfort of a partner. Regardless, it’s a great way to stretch us just that little bit further out of our familiar routines and comfort zone. Bringing back a touch of that youthful zing, even in our latter midlife.
Speaking of youthful zing, keep an eye out for an upcoming interview with a relationship counselor who advises how travel can put some new zing into a relationship.
Oh, and by the way, I did like the young reverend. I’ve never seen church pews lined with so many wine glasses. As Reverend Patrick strutted up the aisle with champagne bottles in hand, he was quick to reassure us all there’d be plenty more to top up our glasses at the interval!
A great community night.
The Youthful Art of Midlife Travel. (A new titled version of My Senior Gap Year) A story described by readers as entertaining and inspiring. Find out more at youthfulmidlifetravel.com. The book and kindle version is available from Amazon: Click here: Amazon.com (Australia: Amazon.com.au)
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