What to Expect at Your Debut

Opera is different from other live performances because the singing never stops, and the performers aren't miked. However, the athleticism alone is worth checking out.

Pick the Right Show

First, give it a chance! So many people think they hate opera but have never tried it. Operas often use a full orchestra, chorus, set, designer, producer and director - and that’s in addition to the main performers. There will be a lot happening on stage. This is the whole shebang - if you enjoy the movies, orchestra, theater, literature, museums...you’ll probably appreciate some part of this experience. Surprise yourself.

Read about the different shows during the season, and listen to a clip or two. Saying you’re going to the opera is like saying you’re going to a restaurant - do you want fish or steak? Or apps only? All descriptions include guidance on bringing younger fans. Just like books and movies, an opera may contain adult content. When in doubt, give us a call. We’ll steer you! A safe bet for a first visit is one of the top tens like Carmen, Tosca, La Boheme, La Traviata, Marriage of Figaro, Don Giovanni. Lean toward Mozart, Puccini, Verdi, Bernstein. 

Believe it or not, most of the other attendees don’t consider themselves experts. There’s a lot of operas out there, and few people know more than a handful. Do you know the whole plot or drift of a movie before you see it? Don’t pressure yourself; everyone’s here for a great night out, just like you.

Get Fancy...or Don’t

Opera is over the top, and so is our audience - in the best way! So prepare to see everything from a gown to blue jeans. That said, everything goes and you should feel comfortable. Want to be safe? Little black dress with great shoes/button down and a jacket or sweater. Whatever you wear, don’t worry about it! No one else is. Unless they’re coveting those shoes...

Be on Time

Fashionably late is a bummer in the opera world - you could miss the first piece or the first act  if there’s no good break! Give yourself time to park, people watch, grab a drink and find your seats. The orchestral introduction (the overture) is to die for.

What’s with the tiny screen?

Operas have been written in umpteen languages. While we applaud you if you speak them all, we don’t. Supertitles (like subtitles at the movies) let us understand why the soprano is throwing herself off a tower. (True story - Tosca). You do not need to do homework to enjoy a performance. With English translations projected above the stage, it’s as easy as watching a foreign film.

PRE-OPERA TALKS

Come early for the Pre-Opera Talks. We offer these informative Talks before every opera performance. These are perfect for the “I don’t know anything about opera” person, the opera aficionados, or those in between. Talks begin one hour before the performance and are hosted by music experts. Join us for an engaging, free 30-minute overview of the opera and enhance your experience. Learn some new tidbits and impress your friends.

It’s my first time

Remember how we said to come a little early? Take a few minutes at home to read about the plot and (bonus points) singers from the show. It’ll be a lot easier to follow the soap opera-worthy twists if you’ve invested five minutes reading the program! If you didn’t, don’t worry! In opera, our performers sing and act. Besides, you can always catch up at intermission. Some people treat a show as a delightful surprise, while others like to carefully prepare and learn all they can before the curtain goes up. There is no right or wrong way.

Helpful Vocab

There are six voice types in opera:

  • Soprano (very high female)

  • Mezzo-soprano (medium female)

  • Contralto (super low female)

  • Countertenor (very high male/sounds like a mezzo)

  • Tenor (high male)

  • Baritone (low male)

  • Bass/bass-baritone (very low male)

There’s pictures of the performers with their voice type, if you liked someone and can’t remember any of this in the thrill of the moment.

How to sound like a regular:

  • Aria - solo

  • Ensemble - duet/trio/quartet, etc. Many soloists singing together

  • Chorus - the group of people that all sings together. Like townspeople or a congregation.

  • Recitative - spoken singing, often solo, that comes before an aria or duet

  • Standing ovation - when the audience stands and applauds after a show, or during a particularly stunning soloist’s bow

I’m a crier. Now what? 

This is a favorite. Bring your tissues if you cry over Hallmark movies, because opera is all about the big feelings. Even our most romantic productions often have someone dying or in anguish. Better to be prepared.

Enthusiastic Appreciation for the Win

Unlike the timeless argument about applause during movements at the symphony, no one in opera cares. Wait til the end of the person singing (solo or a group), and applaud if the piece knocked your socks off! At the end of the act or show, you will hear “Bravos” if we’re doing it right! Added bonus? Check out the closest restaurant. There’s a good chance some of the singers will end up there after the show. It’s amazing how normal they look once they’re off the stage.

GO TO OPERA, KIDS

From the mouths of babes … Why kids should opera

need more encouragement?

Check out NPR’s Opera for Newbies: Busting Myths and Belting High Notes