Rockn With The Grands: Kennedy Center Opera House

What Matters Most?

There are few things that truly Matter Most to me. First is my testimony of Jesus Christ. This is followed by my relationships with Sean, the kids and their spouses, my adorable grandbabies, family and my dear friends.

Some how Sean figures out how to give me moments that enable me to strengthen those relationships. Last Christmas my gift from Sean were tickets to see an opera at the Kennedy Center.

A few weeks ago the evening finally arrived and I was sitting in the Kennedy Center Opera House anticipating Turandot by Puccini. This wasn't just any opera in an ordinary opera house. At least not for me.

The stage from our seats

Many years ago on one of my student DC trips we were walking though the Grand Foyer of the Kennedy Center, the one with the 16 chandeliers (a gift from Sweden), and my mom noticed that the main doors were open to the Opera House. The red velvet ropes were up, but that did not stop her. That woman lifted the rope and walked right through as if she belonged there. Stunned and a little worried she would get us thrown out I followed her while repeatedly telling her we needed to get back to my students.

Looking up directly at 1 chandelier

She may have been a bit naughty, but as we peered into the Opera House and looked up at the ceiling we were mesmerized by its beauty. At that time I didn't know what I was looking at, but it was stunning. In the center of the ceiling was the Lobmeyer Crystal Chandelier, a gift from Austria. It has 12,000 crystals, more than 130 crystal bursts and almost 2,000 light bulbs. The Friday night of the opera I could look up and see this maginificent chandelier from my seat, this time I knew what I was looking at.

On this special night I had a ticket. I didn't have to| sneak passed the ropes. My mom would have loved to attend an opera or musical in this theatre.

The stunning Lobmeyer Crystal chandelier

One of our favorite movies is "Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation". We love action movies and this one does not disappoint, but that is not our favorite part. Our favorite scene takes place at the Vienna State Opera where Turandot is being performed. The music in the background captivated us.

Standing Ovation

Turandot was Puccini's last opera, although at his death it was not finished. The opera is set in mythical China, a culture I love. The music and two impossible love stores make this opera one I could see over an over.

Sean and I thoroughly enjoyed the music. At times each of us leaned over the wall in front of us to watch the orchestra play. There is nothing like watching violinists perform. You could feel the passion, love, power and heart ache through the music, we did appreciate the subtitles.

Grand Foyer

Spending time with Sean is one of my favorite things to do. It really doesn't matter where we are or what we are doing, but that Friday night will be an evening I will not forget. Being able to hear the music we enjoy from a famous opera in the Kennedy Center Opera House made the experience special. Remembering the time my mom and I walked beyond the rope to see the Opera Hall made this extra special.