On Monday the 10^th of May, 2021, the Year 11 Italian class travelled by bus to Melbourne to see the wonderful Italian Opera performance of Aida, at Hamer Hall. We departed excitedly and eagerly at 4pm filling the bus with chatter about our hopes for the night.

The evening did not disappoint. Beginning our night in Melbourne, we took a group photo (see accompanying images) and embraced our free time and explored the Southbank restaurants for dinner. We all dispersed in groups and were treated to delicious and varied foods.

After dinner, it was back to Hamer Hall to collect our tickets and make our way in. The Arts Centre was amazing. The red velvet carpet on the stairs, the lighting and the elegantly dressed audience confirmed that this was going to be an evening to remember.

We were seated in the dress circle and had a great view of both the orchestra and the stage. The lights dimmed and the theatre went silent. The lighting was spectacular and I was left breathless from the talent on the stage and in the orchestra pit. The stage production had wonderful sets and costumes of gold and silver. Certainly, a high-quality show. I had never seen an opera before but I have to commend Opera Australia for such an incredible performance. Aida honoured Giuseppe Verdi perfectly. As the show came to a close, my hands began to sting from the extended applause that the cast well and truly deserved.

In the pouring rain we boarded the bus, in amazement about what we had seen. Chatter on the bus about the opera settled down as the tiredness set in. We are grateful for the opportunity and pleased with the night as a whole. It was surely a night I won’t forget.

Sophie Cutropia, 11LODG