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Opera is the most popular, enduring, and expensive performing art in human history. But like most arts there is a learning curve involved, and many people stay away out of various fears - not understanding the language, not knowing how to dress or behave, etc. Here's your way in to a most enriching and rewarding first experience.

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EditSteps

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    Put aside concerns about any language barrier. Nearly all major opera companies in the United States use super titles, which project the line-by-line translation above the stage so you can follow along. If you don't have any problems with foreign films with subtitles, you'll have even fewer problems at an opera.
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    Choose a good opera to introduce yourself and your date to the experience. Any of the all-time favorite operas are good candidates, but especially Carmen (by French composer Bizet), La Traviata (Verdi), The Marriage of Figaro (Mozart), The Barber of Seville (Rossini), Tosca (Puccini), or La Boheme (also Puccini). If you think you are not ready for it, avoid anything by Wagner for your first experience. Wagner is amazing, but not for the uninitiated.
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    Buy a CD of excerpts or highlights from the opera that you will be seeing, and get familiar with it ahead of time. Just like seeing a concert by your favorite band, you will appreciate it all the more if much of the music is familiar to you.
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    See a performance by a first-rate company in a major city, if your budget and geographic location will allow. These days opera tickets in most cities are pretty expensive, almost as much as the Eagles are charging for their concerts, or somewhere in Celine Dion or Barbara Streisand territory. Prices vary according to seating, but I wouldn't skimp on getting the best seats if at all possible. Family circle tickets can run cheaper at some opera houses.
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    Buy tickets well in advance (a year even, in some cities). The more popular operas sell out quickly, and many tickets are already taken up by season ticket holders.
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    Sleep well the night before an opera. You don't want to go in tired. Opera takes more mental energy to fully appreciate. Most operas last about three hours, which is longer than you're used to watching movies. And there's more to listen to with an opera, so your brain will be working harder.
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EditTips

  • Don't wear tuxedos and evening gowns unless it's opening night for the season. You will be over-dressed and you will probably be a little embarrassed. Just wear anything nice that you might wear for a nice dinner on the town, or some formal social function - a jacket and tie, and a nice dress, for instance.
  • If you don't want to make a formal date out of it, and want to save some money, most opera companies provide standing-room admission as well as other discounts for students & seniors. Contact your opera's box office for details.
  • If the opera house has a cafe or restaurant inside, use it even though the food is probably somewhat overpriced. It is part of the experience, and eating at the opera house before the opera solves the hassle of getting across town from the restaurant and worrying about getting parked and admitted in time.
  • Opera glasses can be rented at the performance, but if you have decent seats you won't need them.

EditWarnings

  • If you arrive even a little late, you won't be able to be seated until after the first act, so you will be standing up at the back of the balcony for almost an hour before you will be seated.
  • It is best to bring some tissues if the opera is a tragic opera.

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Article Info

Categories: Music

Recent edits by: Meg, CassMill0209, Flickety

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