New Orleans has always been known for the non-stop party atmosphere of the French Quarter, the glorious cuisine that makes every other city pale in comparison and the annual celebration of Mardi Gras. But there is so much more to the city than a 24 hour party and last night we able to soak in some culture of another type.

Since Hurricane Katrina, the Mahalia Jackson Theatre has been shuttered due to storm damage. Flooding and wind damage left the electrical and mechanical system in ruins and mold began its march up the aisles, and across the seats, curtains and walls. The New Orleans Opera Association was forced to move production to the much smaller McAllister Auditorium on Tulane's campus...until this past week.

The theatre reopened with a free concert on January 8th, performances by Itzhak Perlman and the San Francisco Ballet on January 10th and ended it's inaugural week by welcoming Placido Domingo to perform at the dedication of the "Placido Domingo" stage last night.

I'll be the first to admit that when hubby said he bought season tickets to the opera, I wasn't exactly thrilled. As a musician, he has an appreciation for so many types of music that I don't typically listen to.

But, the first two performances that we attended at McAllister were so enjoyable that I found myself really looking forward to seeing Placido Domingo perform. In addition to the opportunity to hear a world renowned tenor performer, what can beat a night out as grown-ups with the chance to dress up thrown in as well? Before we even got off of the interstate, we could see the spotlights flashing through the air, beckoning everyone to the theatre.

Security was plentiful, parking was easy and as we walked up to the theatre entrance, I was extremely impressed with the renovation of both the building and the grounds.

Pools of water with bridges over them, lines of fountains, paper lanterns that looked like they were floating on air...it actually didn't even feel like we were in New Orleans!

Entering the theatre, we were immediately surrounded by all of the other attendees, dressed to the nines and sipping wine before taking their seats. I was reminded of how small town New Orleans really is as we ran into friends along the way, some who don't even live here anymore but returned for the concert (now that's a dedicated opera fan!).

The evenings master of ceremonies was Academy Award nominated actress Patricia Clarkson, daughter of New Orleans City Council President Jackie Clarkson and a native of not just New Orleans, but right here on the West Bank, having grown up in Algiers. She kept the show rolling, from the opening number by the New Orleans Opera Chorus (with around 100 members) to the presentation of proclamations to Mr. Domingo during the stage naming ceremony (who knew you could get a key to the entire state?) to the closing toast by the performers that included a little ditty poking fun at FEMA.

As the night ended, we made the quick ride back to the West Bank, arias still ringing in our ears and thrilled that we were able to personally witness the return of opera in New Orleans to it's rightful home.

Relocating to New Orleans? You might also enjoy reading:

A history of the New Orleans Opera

You Want Culture? New Orleans Has Got It!

New Orleans - More Than Just a Party Town

All content copyright 2009. Lisa Heindel  Originally posted on West Bank Living. All rights reserved.