As far as musical performances go, operas can be pretty intimidating. Most of us have attended a musical at some point in our lives (even it it was a school play) and many have been to a symphony or concert of some sort. The opera, though, is a lot less commonly explored.
While operas are awe-inspiring performances, many people question whether or not they’ll enjoy the over-the-top qualities of this type of show. Everything about operas is big and bold and attending your first performance can be somewhat overwhelming. So, if you’re looking to attend an opera performance, here are some tips to getting the most out of your first opera experience.
If you’re not sure where to initially dip your toes into the opera pool, then give your local opera house a call. Let them know that you’re curious about opera, but have never attended a show before and are wondering what a good starter performance would be. They should be able to advise you about the shows that would be most captivating to an opera novice. While you’re talking to them you may also want to ask about prices, discounts, the best times to attend, and possible tours for new attendees.
If you want to feel even more comfortable at your first opera, take a bit of time ahead of the show to read up on some opera terms. All of the arts have special words that they use to describe important facets of the experience. Opera is no exception. For an example, an ‘aria’ is a solo that’s used to give you the inside scoop on the character’s current feelings and it takes place during a break in the main activity. There are many other terms like this that are used exclusively for opera.
While you might not think of opera as having much in common with the kinds of shows you typically watch on TV or at the movies, the truth is that opera plots have many of the same themes. When choosing your first opera consider the genres you usually enjoy in other types of entertainment and work from there. For instance, if you love a good comedy, look for an opera with a funny plot line. If you’re into romance, explore some romantic operas.
There’s so much going on during an operatic performance—the elaborate costumes, the elegant staging and, of course, the incredible singing, that you may get so caught up that you miss the actual plot line. Yes, there is a story to be told here too and knowing a bit about what you’re getting into ahead of time, can help you follow along, particularly if the opera you’re seeing is in a different language. The program handed out at the door will typically include a synopsis of the story line, so arriving a bot early will allow you to get up to speed before the show starts. Some opera houses will even have a discussion period ahead of the performance to further help attendees immerse themselves in the show. Of course, you can usually also find an opera synopsis online.
You may be wondering if it’s appropriate to applaud at the opera. The answer is a resounding ‘yes’. Operas usually elicit a lot of emotion and it’s completely understandable that people would want to express those feelings. Attendees often applaud or even shout a hearty ‘brava’ at the end of an overture, duet, aria or some other impressive part of the performance.
For most of us, there aren’t many opportunity to get really dressed up anymore. The opera is somewhere you can go in your really upscale clothes. That said, if fancy isn’t your thing, at many opera houses you can definitely attend in your more casual clothes, just be sure not to take your attire too far in the casual direction. There was a time when people went to the opera in only their finest. These days, you’ll likely see a full range of clothing at the opera.
Going to the opera for the first time should be an exciting and fun experience. Don’t let all of the grandeur overwhelm you. Take a bit of time ahead of the show to prepare and you’re sure to have an experience to remember. You might even discover a new passion in life.
FAQs
For opera, the emphasis is on the music and singing. If you find yourself getting lost in the music or an impressive aria and miss some supertitles, it's okay. It's all about finding your own enjoyment in opera and being present in the music and its emotion.
What is considered to be the first opera? ›
Enter Jacopo Peri (1561–1633), who composed Dafne (1597), which many consider to be the first opera. From that beginning, two types of opera began to emerge: opera seria, or stately, formal and dignified pieces to befit the royalty that attended and sponsored them, and opera buffa, or comedies.
What's a good first opera to see? ›
The Magic Flute - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Mozart is undeniably one of the most famous composers in the world. He is a great entry into opera for beginners as you may be more familiar with his compositions and style of music.
What is a good introduction to opera? ›
Top of our list of best operas for beginners is an eternal favourite. One of Mozart's best-loved operas, The Magic Flute tells the story of Prince Tamino, who is rescued from a monster, shown a photo of Pamina (daughter of the Queen of the Night) and, naturally, falls in love with her instantly.
What to expect at the opera? ›
Most operas at the Met are between three and four hours in length. However, the running time includes multiple intermissions and breaks. Since many operas have more than two acts, there are usually one or two 10-minute breaks between some acts, and two full-length, 20- to 30-minute intermissions between others.
Where would you expect to see an opera? ›
Operas are most commonly often staged at an opera house or theatre, such as the London Coliseum, home to ENO. Opera houses have been designed specifically for performances on a grand scale.
Who wrote the first opera answer? ›
Jacopo Peri (20 August 1561 – 12 August 1633) was an Italian composer, singer and instrumentalist of the late Renaissance and early Baroque periods. He wrote what is considered the first opera, the mostly lost Dafne ( c. 1597), and also the earliest extant opera, Euridice (1600).
What was the first opera by a woman? ›
3 Feb 1625
Francesca Caccini's opera La liberazione di Ruggiero dall'isola d'Alcina is performed in Florence. It is the first opera composed by a woman.
What is the easiest opera song to sing? ›
“Nessun Dorma” From Puccini's Turandot
One of the easiest opera songs to sing, “Nessun Dorma” offers a manageable vocal range, making it accessible for beginners.
What is the best first opera for kids? ›
Either “The Magic Flute”, “Hansel and Gretel” or “La Cenerentola” because these wonderful pieces are comedies & no one dies like most operas.
Singing opera requires a high level of natural talent and a huge amount of training. So, yes, it's hard to sing opera. There's much more of a financial and time investment required to learn to sing opera well than there is to say, sing with a rock band.
What do you say after an opera? ›
More on cheers following an exceptional performance:
You will say “Bravo” (Brah-voh) for a single male performer. You will say “Brava” (Brah-vah) for a single female performer. You will say “Bravi” (Brah-vee) to a group of all male performers or a mix of male and female performers.
What are words to an opera? ›
Libretto. The "little book" in Italian. The Libretto contains all the words and stage directions for an opera.
What to do before watching an opera? ›
Arrive a few minutes early and read the synopsis in the program and become familiar with the plot so that you're not getting caught up in trying to read the supertitles (projected above the stage) instead of enjoying the whole opera experience.
Do you get dressed up for the opera? ›
Look around the theatre and you'll see women in co*cktail dresses, men in chinos, corporates in business suits, families in their Sunday best and tourists in whatever-they-were-wearing-that-day. There's no compulsory dress code. Wear what you'll feel comfortable in.
How do I prepare for an opera role? ›
by Bruce Schoonmaker
- Learn music accurately: Notes, rhythms, pronunciation of words. ...
- Memorize as soon as possible. ...
- Use the "Rule of Three" to memorize. ...
- Memorize "the easy parts" or "the prettiest parts" or "your aria" last. ...
- Always arrive early to each rehearsal. ...
- Bring energy to each rehearsal.
During intermission, the audience applauds, the curtain descends, and the auditorium lights are switched on. This is your opportunity to stand and stretch, explore the Opera House, enjoy refreshments, purchase a souvenir from the Opera Shop, or visit the restroom.
