Opera Grand Rapids Tickets

Venue unimpressive, performance just ok

DeVos Performance Hall - Grand Rapids

I was not very impressed with the venue. It was old looking and very poorly organized. No signage to tell you what side to go in (and quite a pain if you went in the wrong side). Additionally, was with a mobility-imparied person and had to go up just to go back down instead of just going around the stairs or elevator. Lucky that we just tried different exit doors on the way out and didn't repeat this mistake. The props and scenery were weak as were the performers. Only one vocalist was pretty decent and one was a pretty good actor. Overall, not a night to remember

Aida our first opera

Devos is beautiful! So any production there is worth beholding. Yet to see one’s first opera there must be unforgettable! It was lush and every singer, dancer, stage designer, etc gave a fabulous performance which my two daughters and I will never forget. We will definitely attend the next season’s two great operas! (Not the Book of the Dead;)

Aida Shines

DeVos Performance Hall - Grand Rapids

This was the best performance of Aida that I have ever experienced. The scenery, challenging, was very well done. The soloist were superb and blended well. An overall great experience.

Aida was magnificent!

DeVos Performance Hall - Grand Rapids

I actually have not been a big opera fan, but I think I am now! Not only are they incredible singers, but their acting skills were fantastic. The dancers were mesmerizing, and the set was gorgeous. We loved every minute of it.

Fabulous Show

DeVos Performance Hall - Grand Rapids

I love that Grand Rapids brings in world famous operas. Aida was mesmerizing and beautiful. Sound quality and visuals were perfect.

Aida Opera

DeVos Performance Hall - Grand Rapids

This was an amazing opera! My husband and I had the BEST time! The performances were absolutely stellar! The music was absolutely incredible! Just a beautiful opera to see! So glad to see that it was sold out. Opera is something everyone should go and see.

Great!

DeVos Performance Hall - Grand Rapids

Fantastic story, props, singing, the orchestra and dancers. Will go again!

Good experience for Grand Rapids

DeVos Performance Hall - Grand Rapids

Opera can be demanding, especially for neophytes attending their first opera. I think this performance of Puccini's Turandot at Devos Hall was on par with what you would expect for Grand Rapids. The chorus did an excellent job, well choreographed, costumes excellent, and appropriate lighting. The orchestra did a marvelous job. We were able to hear the lead soprano well and the supporting male voices, but the lead tenor was more difficult (We were near front mezzanine). He was technically excellent, but I think some stage mics would have assisted greatly here. We also found the stage sets more spartan in nature, but I also realize the budget likely constrains anything more elaborate. I have attended opera at Lyric in Chicago and the sets are more elaborate and enjoyable, although at much higher ticket prices. I'd also like to see better selections in Grand Rapids. Turandot is not good for a first time opera attendee. Madam Butterfly or La Boheme would have been better operas by Puccini for first time opera attendees. I've seen works by Mozart and Verdi in Grand Rapids, and except for the sparse sets, they were better operas than this last performance of Turandot. However, it was so good to have live opera return to Grand Rapids after a 2 year hiatus!

Turnadot

DeVos Performance Hall - Grand Rapids

It was Awesome!! We enjoyed the opera thoroughly!!

Good Singing, Terrible Sets and Costumes

DeVos Performance Hall - Grand Rapids

I have seen this opera performed many times at the Met in New York, at the Lyric in Chicago, and at Michigan Opera Theater in Detroit. Directing my comments strictly at sets and costumes, this production was a disaster. The setting in old China allows for wonderful, opulent sets along with room for multitudes of color in sets as well as costumes. The operative word for this production was "gray." It was disappointing throughout until the very end when both Turandot and Calaf were momentarily draped in capes befitting the theme of the opera. A sprinkling of multicolored sparkles streaming from the ceiling couldn't save this sad production. Not so, however, with the singing and the orchestra. The orchestra and the entire cast were excellent, and all contributed to an enjoyable evening of music. The composer didn't give Turandot much to work with, and what was provided depended on voice projection and the ability to hit many high Cs.Ms. Shoremount-Obra was outstanding, particularly in her "In questa Reggia," though the audience didn't seem to receive it well. Likewise, Mr. Drackley's performance of the highlight of the show, "Nessun Dorma" equaled any version I've heard, including that of Franco Correlli some years back. Ms. Samson as Liu was outstanding as were the overall perfomances of the actors who played Ping, Pang and Pong. All in all, I enjoyed the performance so long as I kept my eyes closed so as not to be repelled by the sets and costumes, and focused only on the top notch voices coming from the stage.