As a child I often walked past the famous state theatre in Pretoria , my imagination filled with many mirages. Ballet Dancers elegantly and flamboyantly moving from one side of the stage to the centre, dancing in circles and then making a sad retreat somewhere to the rear, fading into a pool of shade and colour never to be seen again. I  beheld wonders and mysteries, sweet tales of love and honour, of gentlemen and the ladies dressed in fine silk and wool.

Entering the Opera Haus in Graz I was impressed with the grandeur and opulence, the beauty of the grand staircase and felt a great energy as many dressed in fine suits awaited patiently the moment when the show would begin. Finally the moment arrived and we sat down in a lower gallery with a fine view of all the finest and most stylish members of Graz and Austrian society.

And what a night it was, filled with colour as  singers and dancers filled the stage with stunning backgrounds and sets, the best I had ever seen. The singers delivered a fine, emotional performance to which I gladly applauded and in the end a sad goodbye and the retreat. It was a night of roses and champagne.

Visit Graz and  the Opera

It will be a night you will never forget.