We will be in Palermo for several days before our RS tour starts. I’m considering getting tickets for an opera at the Teatro Massimo in Palermo (one of the largest opera houses in Europe). I’m looking for advice and/or reviews - is it worth the fairly expensive ticket price? Where are the best seats? Dress code?
Posted by
1022 posts
I can’t speak to seeing an actual performance there, but I have a thought or two. Is it worth it? Yes! You have a chance to see an opera in one of the great opera houses of Europe, a unique experience you’ll never forget. The building is beautiful, and you’ll get to see it without taking a tour (go early and walk around.) Consider that as part of your ticket cost.
Having only been in American houses, the layout is really weird. Picture a big rotunda with a stage set into one side. The floor is actually really small, the vast majority of seats are in opera boxes. The are six(!) floors of opera boxes that run almost the entire way around. It’s hard to say what makes a good seat here, but I’d stay off the top floors. I did see a performance in Siricusa in a smaller, but same style theatre. The acoustics were good and surprising, you could hear people whispering from across the room. So, I think you’d probably be ok with the sound in most of the theatre. Usually, the ticket price reflects desirability by acoustics first and view second. Hope that’s helpful, do it!
P.S. - There’s another grand old theatre, Politeama, that nearby. They may have something you’d enjoy as well (and probably cheaper.)
Posted by
seattle
2088 posts
From what I’ve read, people really dress up for opening night. After that, dress is less formal,