There is a way to become a fan of "Wagner". See "Boris Godunov". Dress code would be funeral outfit Here
Did anyone see "Sale" at Zürich Opera, either this last season or year before? The libretto was a mix of English and French, with overtitles into German as necessary. Part of the story is a reading of an Edgar Allen Poe text, which OH identified (I'm supposed to be the literature scholar and he the scientist...) The sets/costumes were interesting and the story relevant for modern times.The music is by Händel, so for me pure pleasure to listen to - not too many shrieking sopranos - and the cast was really impressive. I would have gone for Anne Sofia von Otter alone, but all of the main characters were noteworthy. It doesn't look to be on next years program, but I would strongly recommend "Sale" should it be revived.
I know the price of a ticket can sometimes seem expensive, but actually you usually don't pay any extra for a cast studded with world stars, and to have several on stage all at once is even better. (Granted, amateur opera can be touch-go, particularly if the orchestra is not up to snuff. A bit like listening to a bad church choir, the intentions are good, but hard on the ears.)
Another good opera for introducing oneself gently, or for children, is Mozart's Magic Flute. It is on the Zürich program next winter.
He always gives me this urge to invade Poland...
(Yes, I stole this line from Woody Allen)
I don't think he is very popular there, either.
Anyways, one opera house I would want to go before finally venturing out to GE one, would be Dresden.
Good one hahaha