For hundreds of years, the art of the opera has existed to delight, captivate, and enthrall audiences in many languages, all over the world. Cultures throughout time have heralded the opera as one of the finest examples of art in all the world. 

The first known exhibition of the opera as we know it today was of Jacopo Peri’s Dafne, which was written in the late 1590s. While this opera has not survived the passage of time, the first recorded history we do have is of Monteverdi’s Orfeo in 1607. This was of the Baroque form of opera often shown only to wealthy courts throughout Europe. From then, it soon became wildly popular with the masses. 

There are also the classical, romantic, and 20th century periods of opera which influenced the composers of those times. But, don’t take our word for it – have a look for yourself at Opera Philadelphia. This could be the treat of a lifetime, as you take a trip throughout the annals of opera. 

Opera is Good for you – Make it a Date 

During the 2019–2020 season, you can see Verdi’s Requiem throughout January and February 2020. There’s an acclaimed production of Handel’s Semele set to take place in September 2019. Don’t forget Let Me Die by Keckler, showing in September 2019, as well. Opera Philadelphia makes it so easy to buy tickets and stay apprised of all shows right from their website. 

Going to the opera is soothing for the soul. According to a Pavia University study, operatic music can help with stroke rehabilitation, lower blood pressure, and slow the heart. In fact, Diana Greenman, the CEO of Music in Hospitals, has discussed the massive benefits of listening to music after a stroke or a heart attack. 

Where to Stay

If you’re coming from out of town, you’ll want to make a whole weekend out of a trip to the Opera Philadelphia. There are many luxury hotels in Philadelphia to accommodate your every wish. The Bellevue Hotel is one of the most popular. A living landmark that brings you back to Philadelphia’s gilded age opulence, this hotel could just be the centerpiece to an edifying cultural excursion. The on-site XIX Restaurant is one of the best in the city. Across town, the Philadelphia 201 Hotel is another solid option. Part of Logan Square, this hotel is just a short distance to the Philadelphia Museum of Art and Love Park, so it makes a good home base for more cultural exploration.

Experience Universal Art in its Fullest Form 

Let’s face it, there isn’t any other art form that can compare to the unique experience of going to the opera. It is both music and theater, brought to you by the world’s best composers. You hear singing, but you also get to witness the architecture, sculptures, poetry, dance, paintings, and history unwrapping itself for your enjoyment. 

Some of the oldest operas are some of the best to watch because you not only get to see the art forms of the past, but you can take a bit of history with you in the memory of the beautiful stories and scenery. 

In previous centuries, opera was once reserved only for the privileged classes but today – it can be enjoyed and savored by anyone who is motivated to be passionately moved by the scores and librettos. 

The experience is personal, yet intense. At Opera Philadelphia, you can relish all that and more. If you haven’t seen it, the one opera we’d recommend you must see is Madame Butterfly, which will be showing in April through May of 2020. And, there are also lectures, seminars, and a festival to attend. As you savor the operatic scenes, you can also increase your knowledge and your empathy for others. 

So, what are you waiting for? Plan your opera viewings today.

We all admired Kirsten Dunst’s luscious locks during a special screening + press appearances of her new show On Becoming a God in Central Florida. 

Kirsten’s hairstylist, Owen Gould, prepped her hair using Refuge Hair’s REJUV system ($35; www.refugehair.com). “I love that is sulfate free as lot of my clients prefer that,” said Gould. “The hair was so smooth and shiny after too which is always an added bonus!”

Kirsten stepped out the next morning after the screening to promote her Showtime series on The Today Show with her hair still looking flawless and shiny!

A good scent that you love can trigger a chemical reaction in the brain that helps you relax. To take this a step further, having your own body immersed in that scent in the bedroom can really help elevate your mood and promote sleep. So, before going to bed, massage your body with a fragrant oil to feel good and get a good night’s sleep.

High On Love Sensual Massage Oil is created with a delectable blend of selected all natural oils with premium quality hemp seed oil nourishes the skin while simultaneously bringing harmony to the body and soul. This alluring oil has the ability to ease tension, increase energy flow and stimulate circulation, leaving your skin to feel velvp.ety smooth.

HighOnLove™ is available in all of North America via High On Love and ranges from $35 – $50 per product. The line includes bath oil, orgasm oil, massage oil, chocolate body paint, and orgasm gel. All HighOnLove’s offerings are gynecologically tested, chemical-free, vegan, and cruelty free. Made in Canada with premium, 100% natural ingredients, HighOnLove™ products are free of parabens, allergens, and colorants.

Give the young student in your family every opportunity to succeed in their studies with the best equipment possible for the job. When it comes to furniture designed to help a student succeed, there’s no better item than a fine, solid wood desk. In today’s competitive academic environment, a student needs every advantage that they can get to stay ahead of the curve.

Poor Quality Furniture Can Result in Poor Quality Work

A cheaply made desk, like those assembled at home and made of pressboard, will quickly wear down. These items might seem like a good idea initially, but when you consider how long that quality handcrafted wood furniture can last when cared for properly, it shows how poorly an investment a cheaply-made desk will quickly become. 

This kind of furniture isn’t built to last through all of high school, let alone a college or university career. When your son or daughter has earned a place at a great school, they deserve a desk that is of far better quality than what they used in grade school. 

An Excellent Lifelong Investment 

When you’re investing a lot in a great education, you need to follow through with great materials as well. No one can afford to jeopardize a student’s success by holding back on expenses after the initial cost of tuition is paid. 

The best part about buying quality-made solid wood furniture is that it will provide more in return than any other expense involved in post-secondary education, outside of the learning itself. Not only will a solid wood desk last through the entire span of a university career, but it will also continue to supply an excellent work space for the home or office for years to come. A fine heirloom item can even be passed down to future generations. 

Quality Furniture Can Instill Confidence

Much like the desk bought to furnish a great business career, a student’s workplace can mean the difference between a confident student and one that constantly feels like an imposter. Moving away to go to college or university is one of the biggest changes that a young adult will face up to that point in their life. Faced with the difficulties of being away from home, fitting in among a new peer group, and the constant pressure of difficult course work, students can easily get discouraged – and when they do it can affect their work. 

Give a Reminder of Family

Many new students find the transition to studying away from home difficult for the simple reason that they become homesick. Given this common dilemma, everything you can do to make their new residence a little more cozy and familiar will help to ensure success. When you give a heartwarming gift of a finely handcrafted solid wood desk to a new student, they’ll be able to feel at home every time they sit down to get to work. 

As a parent or close family member, there’s no better present that you can provide to a new student that a well-made and stylish solid wood desk. Cherish those last moments of your child being at home by picking out the perfect desk together.