Blending the power of music with the drama of live theater, opera offers a unique cultural experience that has captivated audiences for centuries. Far from being an inaccessible art form reserved for connoisseurs, opera invites all who appreciate storytelling, rich orchestration, and powerful vocal artistry. Whether set in ancient palaces or modern cityscapes, operas explore universal themes—love, jealousy, triumph, and loss—with striking emotional depth. For those curious about its allure or looking to deepen their appreciation, understanding the structure, etiquette, and history behind opera can transform a night at the theater into a truly memorable journey.
What Is Opera?
Dismissing opera as an outdated pastime for elite connoisseurs fixated on foreign-language arias is a widespread but inaccurate notion. In reality, opera is a thrilling blend of theatrical storytelling, rich orchestration, lavish costumes, and emotionally charged performances that delve into themes of love, betrayal, power, and passion. Far from being a relic of the past, opera continues to evolve and attract new audiences, especially younger patrons in the 20 to 40 age range, thanks to innovative productions and expanded accessibility. With just a bit of background knowledge, anyone can step into this grand tradition and discover a dynamic world of musical drama.
Production
Opera is a theatrical art form in which the dialogue is entirely sung rather than spoken. The narrative text, known as the libretto (Italian for little book
), serves as the script and is penned by a librettist. The musical score, composed by a separate artist, is performed by an orchestra under the direction of a conductor, who guides the ensemble from the opening notes of the overture—a musical prelude that sets the emotional tone for what follows.
Performers
Opera singers are categorized by vocal range and gender. Male voices include bass (deepest), baritone (mid-range), and tenor (highest), while female voices span contralto (deepest), mezzo-soprano (middle), and soprano (highest). Mezzo-sopranos often take on trouser roles, portraying adolescent boys whose voices have yet to mature—a fascinating operatic tradition that adds unique dramatic texture.
Performance
Operas are structured into acts and scenes featuring a combination of fully sung passages, arias, choruses, and recitative—a form of sung dialogue. Comic operas (opera buffa) contrast with serious dramas (opera seria), but both feature musical highlights such as expressive arias and orchestral interludes. Enthusiastic audience response, including extended applause after powerful performances, is part of the experience. As operas typically last two to three hours with a mid-performance intermission, pacing and audience engagement differ from conventional plays or films.
Language
Although some operas are performed in English, many retain their original Italian, French, or German texts to preserve the lyrical integrity and rhythmic flow of the music. English supertitles (also known as surtitles) are typically projected above the stage, allowing audiences to follow the storyline easily. However, these translations may not repeat every sung phrase, especially during musical repetitions.
Selecting an Opera
Because opera can explore complex and layered narratives, selecting a production that matches your interests can greatly enhance your experience. Listening to excerpts, watching video performances, or reading plot summaries in advance can make the story more engaging. Think of it like previewing an album before a concert—more familiarity often leads to greater enjoyment. Resources such as opera news magazines, websites, and reference books like The Grove Book of Operas by Stanley Sadie can offer helpful insights. Some cinemas screen live or encore opera performances for a modest fee, and many opera houses offer affordable seats for newcomers. The goal is to feel prepared enough to immerse yourself in the musical and visual artistry without getting distracted by plot confusion.
Arriving
Punctuality is essential at the opera. Aim to arrive well before curtain time to allow for parking, coat check, and finding your seat. Use this time to glance through the program, observe the audience, or catch a glimpse of the orchestra warming up. Latecomers are usually held in the lobby until an appropriate break in the performance, which could mean missing significant portions of the show. Arriving early also allows you to explore the venue, attend pre-show talks, or make a last-minute visit to the restroom—especially important during longer operas.
Dos and Don'ts
- Do bring opera glasses or binoculars if you're seated far from the stage.
- Do silence all electronic devices before the performance begins.
- Do remain quiet throughout the entire production, including the overture.
- Do unwrap any candy or cough drops in advance to avoid noisy distractions.
- Do applaud enthusiastically after arias and choral pieces—but not during scenes.
- Do immerse yourself in the performance—silently. Resist the urge to sing along.
- Don't tap, hum, or fidget, especially in shared seating areas.
- Don't use flash photography or take pictures during the show.
- Don't read your program during the performance—it's distracting to others.
Applause
Clapping at the wrong time can disrupt the atmosphere, especially during moments of dramatic silence. If you're unsure, simply follow the lead of seasoned audience members. It's customary to applaud after the overture, solo arias, and powerful scenes, as well as during curtain calls. Enthusiastic operagoers often shout Bravo!
for male performers, Brava!
for female singers, or Bravi!
for group performances as a sign of admiration.
When to Eat
Given the length of most operas, it's wise to eat beforehand. Choose a light meal if you're concerned about staying alert, or enjoy an early full dinner before the show and perhaps indulge in dessert afterward. Intermission typically offers an opportunity for a beverage or small snack, but dining options may vary by venue.
What to Wear
Opera attire spans a wide spectrum, from elegant gowns to business casual ensembles. Formalwear is more common on opening nights, while midweek performances and matinees often see a more relaxed dress code. Although casual outfits like jeans and t-shirts are not prohibited, dressing with a sense of occasion enhances the experience and shows respect for the art form. Theaters can be chilly, so consider bringing a wrap or wearing layers for comfort.
Getting Involved
Many opera companies offer opportunities to participate beyond the audience. Supernumerary roles (or supers) involve non-speaking, non-singing appearances on stage in roles such as soldiers, servants, or townspeople. Volunteering for ushering or box office assistance can also earn you free access to performances. Check with your local opera organization for ways to contribute and engage with the community.
Suit Yourself
Whether you're attending your first opera or becoming a seasoned regular, allow your own preferences to guide your experience. Taste in opera is as personal as one's favorite novel or film, and the most meaningful performances are the ones that resonate with you. Don't worry about impressing others—simply enjoy the spectacle, the sound, and the story.
Popular Operas
- La boheme, Puccini
- Carmen, Georges Bizet
- The Magic Flute, Mozart
- Don Giovanni, Mozart
- The Marriage of Figaro, Mozart
- The Barber of Seville, Gioacchino Rossini
- Madama Butterfly, Puccini
- Tosca, Puccini
- Turandot, Puccini
- Rigoletto, Verdi
- La Traviata, Giuselilie Verdi
- Cosi fan tutte, Mozart
- Aida, Verdi
- Falstaff, Verdi
- L'elisir d'amore, Donizetti
- Il Trovatore, Verdi
- Otello, Verdi
- Pirates of Penzance, Sullivan, Aruthur
- Romeo & Juliet, Gounod
- Porgy & Bess, Gershwin
Resources
- Opera on Wikipedia
- History and terminology of opera.
- Timeline of Great Operas
- Progression of opera from the 1780s to the 20th century.
- Opera Terms Pronunciation Guide
- Pronunciation guide for opera vocabulary terms.
- Opera Works Pronunciation Guide
- Pronunciation guide for operas and composers.
- The Metropolitan Opera
- Home for some of the world's most creative and talented artists.
- Opera Critic
- Bringing you current happenings in opera from around the world.
- Opera Magazine
- The world's leading opera magazine online.
- Operabase (in English)
- Search tool offering details of over 36,000 opera performances.
- Opera America
- The national service organization for oper.a
- Operissimo
- Complete and constantly updated opera and concert database.
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