DALLAS OPERA MEMORIES
By Interim General Director John T. Cody

Interim General Director John Cody

Whenever I encounter someone who’s never been to the opera, I know it’s because they haven’t been properly introduced. And that’s a real problem these days. People are understandably afraid that they won’t be able to follow the plot. Many, many people don’t know that projected English translations, like we have here at The Dallas Opera, are the norm. There’s no need to search your attic for old foreign language textbooks in order to figure out what’s happening onstage! However, a little advance planning can make your evening at The Dallas Opera better than ever!

Like a lot of couples, it was my wife, Patti, who showed an early interest in the arts and got involved with several support organizations. While living in New York City some thirty years ago, we occasionally took in a production at the Met, and after we moved to the Windy City in the late 1980’s, Patti suggested we “spring” for season tickets at Chicago Lyric Opera, which we did. Frankly, all this time I was dutifully playing escort without genuinely connecting with the art form.

Believe it or not, business travel changed my perspective. Patti used to pack the libretto for the next opera in my briefcase and, when my business had been transacted, I would use the flight home to relax and read the script. Soon, I began to look forward to this because I had discovered that greater understanding made for a much more enjoyable opera experience. I didn’t have to wait until the curtain went up to find out what was likely to happen, and why.

Patti and I spent five years as season subscribers at Chicago Lyric before moving to Texas, and we eagerly jumped into a new relationship with The Dallas Opera with a much greater appreciation for this art form.

So spread the word: Opera is fantastic and fun! If you know someone who’s still waiting for that introduction – take the initiative – purchase a ticket, offer a ride, give them a chance to discover what they’ve been missing – this season!

Back to The Dallas Opera Newsletter