5 Tips Before Going to Your First Opera (2024)

by Amanda Moreton

2. Opera singers are athletes
When you’re watching these singers on stage, remember that they are performing a multiple hour production from memory. They have not just memorized the text but also the entire score (music), they are singing in a different language (with correct pronunciation), acting, while covered in makeup, wearing heavy and elaborate costumes, performing under hot lights, and singing over an entire orchestra without any form of amplification.

3. Forget what you think you know about opera and try it!
There are a lot of stereotypes about opera performances and opera audiences that do not match the experience at Utah Opera. Yes, there is a full orchestra and the story is primarily told through singing, but there is a full plot to follow, dynamic scenery and costumes, and often dancing – all of the performing arts at once! And while you may see an elegantly dressed couple enjoying an evening out at the opera, you’re also likely to see young hipsters, multi-generational families, and many other types of people at performances.

5. Opera is about the whole experience
The price and length of most operas can seem daunting but don’t let it deter you! While most opera companies offer some expensive tickets they also offer very affordable tickets and often have rush or student discount prices available. (Students and people under 30 can buy a ticket to Utah Opera for only $10 in advance of the upcoming performance ofCosìfan tutte!) The whole evening should be enjoyable. Take advantage of the multiple intermissions that allow you to stretch your legs, grab a snack, read the program notes, use the restroom, check out the orchestra in the pit, and reflect on what you’ve just experienced in the opera. It’s about enjoying the whole experience; being in the opera house, people watching, being absorbed in the drama and music, wrapping yourself up in the excitement of the entire event.

If this is your first time at the opera, a Mozart opera is the perfect way to start. Utah Opera’s production of Mozart’sCosìfantutteruns March 14 – 22 at Janet Quinney Lawson Capitol Theatre. This tale of flirtation and love combines silly disguises, mistaken identities, and sublime music to see if love can conquer, and resist, all. For Tickets and more information visit the Utah Opera webpage.

Click here for other helpful hintson when to arrive, how to dress and more.

Useful terms:

Libretto: the text of the opera (Italian for “little book”). The author of the text is called a librettist

Composer: the composer sets the text to music and writes the orchestra accompaniment

Conductor: directs the musicians through the performance (usually with a baton)

Director: their job is to ensure the quality of the theater production and unify all the different aspects (lighting, staging, acting, costumes, etc.)

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