An Australian woman's lifelong passion for opera led to one of the most remarkable acts of kindness she's ever experienced during a trip to France in the 1980s. What began as disappointment transformed into an unforgettable evening thanks to the generosity of a complete stranger.
The Opera Obsession Begins
At just 20 years old, the woman discovered her profound love for opera after watching Joseph Losey's film adaptation of Don Giovanni. The experience sparked something deep within her, leading to years of dedicated opera attendance back home in Australia. She became a fervent subscriber to the Australian Opera, never missing a performance she could possibly see.
The French Disappointment That Became A Miracle
Several years after her opera obsession began, she found herself travelling through France with her parents. While in Avignon, she made an exciting discovery - Don Giovanni was being performed locally, featuring José van Dam, the very actor who had played Leporello in the film that started her passion, now starring as Don Giovanni.
In the pre-internet era of the 1980s, securing tickets required personal intervention. She approached their hotel concierge, explaining her deep fandom and hoping for a miracle. The concierge delivered disappointing news - the performance had been completely sold out for months. Resigned to missing the show, she continued with her day.
An Unexpected Act of Generosity
That evening, as the family prepared to go out for dinner, the concierge stopped her with astonishing news. His mother wanted her to have her ticket. Completely shocked by this unexpected generosity, she gratefully accepted while attempting to pay for the precious ticket. The concierge refused any payment.
While her parents headed to a local bistro, she made her way to the opera house. The experience proved extraordinary - her seat offered prime positioning with arguably the best view in the entire theatre. The sophistication of the surrounding audience and the quality of the seating suggested the ticket carried significant value.
The woman, now 66, reflects that she was "flabbergasted by the kind gesture of that woman, whom I never met", adding that "you could have knocked me over with a feather." She hopes she has since paid forward similar kindnesses to others throughout her life.
A Lifetime of Musical Memories
Even today, when attending live opera performances is no longer financially feasible, the memory of that generous act remains vivid. She continues to enjoy opera through vinyl recordings, describing the experience as "pure magic." The concierge's mother's selfless gift created a cherished memory that has lasted decades, proving that sometimes the kindest acts come from those we've never met.
