Have you ever been exploring a castle and magically stumbled upon an opera show? No? Don’t worry. I hadn’t either until recently. But then I visited the Château de Maisons in Maisons-Laffitte, a suburb of Paris. Somehow, my friend and I lucked out, in that the day we visited also happened to be the day that theatrical presentations were being shown all throughout the castle. There were swordsmanship displays and monologues on the castle’s history. All of which was performed by actors in elaborate period piece costumes. And then there was the opera.
I cannot begin to describe to you the moment when the first notes of music began wafting down the grand staircase to where my friend and I were still taking pictures of the view of the garden. It was a beautiful sound, and we raced upstairs to discover its source. Within moments, we were stepping through the threshold of the Grand Hall. Down at the far end of this very appropriately named room, a harpsichord player and an opera singer were performing. We listened to their set, completely enraptured, and then after exploring the castle some more, we came back to listen to it again. Let me tell you, it was just as beautiful the second time around as it was the first.
I still don’t know how I got so lucky that I live in a country where experiences like this are possible, but I do know that I will never take it for granted. I also know that I will never forget the day that I was exploring a castle and stumbled upon an incredible opera performance. Period dress, wigs, and all. It was simply magical.
Suggestions for artists I should check out? Please contact me with your ideas. I hope you enjoyed your daily helping of art!
