An unexpected act of generosity at a French hotel created an opera memory that has lasted more than four decades, proving that sometimes the kindest gestures come from complete strangers.
The Opera Obsession Begins
It all started when a 20-year-old Australian woman discovered her passion for opera after watching Joseph Losey's film adaptation of Don Giovanni. The experience transformed her into an ardent opera enthusiast who subscribed to the Australian Opera and attended every performance possible.
The French Opportunity
Several years later, while travelling through France with her parents in the 1980s, she made an exciting discovery: Don Giovanni was being performed in Avignon during their stay. Even more remarkably, José van Dam - who had played Leporello in the film that originally captivated her - was starring as Don Giovanni.
In the pre-internet era, securing tickets required personal intervention. She approached their hotel concierge, explaining her deep appreciation for the opera and hoping for a miracle. The concierge initially dashed her hopes, laughing gently as he explained the performance had been completely sold out for months.
An Unexpected Gift
Later that evening, as the family prepared to go for dinner, the concierge stopped her with astonishing news. His mother wanted her to have her ticket. The generous woman she never met had decided to gift her prized seat to the passionate Australian visitor.
Despite attempts to pay for the valuable ticket, the concierge refused any payment. While her parents went to a bistro, she headed to the opera house alone, unaware she was about to experience what would become one of her most cherished memories.
The Unforgettable Performance
The seat proved to be in absolute prime position with what she described as the best view in the house. The surroundings matched the excellence of the seating, with exceptionally well-dressed attendees suggesting the ticket had been both expensive and highly sought-after.
She recalls the evening as thrilling and remains flabbergasted by the woman's kindness, noting you could have knocked me over with a feather at the unexpected generosity.
A Lasting Legacy of Kindness
Now aged 66 and unable to afford live opera performances, she still listens lovingly to vinyl recordings while remembering that extraordinary gesture. The memory has inspired her to hopefully perform similar acts of kindness for others throughout her life.
This touching story demonstrates how a single selfless act can create ripples that extend across decades and continents, reminding us all of the profound impact generosity can have.
