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So, you decided to attend the opera for the first time. And you’re a little unsure what to expect. Well, rest assured that it is not as daunting as many people believe. By following some of the following suggestions, you can ease your apprehension, sit back and let the music move you.
If you have a choice, see an opera you have some familiarity with, even if it’s just part of an aria you’ve heard on a television commercial or Bugs Bunny cartoon.
Get a CD of the music you going to hear. By listening to it a couple of times beforehand, you can know what to expect. Plus, after you’ve seen the opera and you’ve been enraptured by the music, you’ll already have a CD that can help you relive the experience.
Don’t feel you have to dress formally. Some people enjoy this aspect of opera going since it’s generally considered weird to wear a formal gown or tux to the movies or local sports game. However, these days most people do not dress formally (unless it’s a gala performance). Use your common sense. Don’t wear jeans, shorts or anything else you’d wear to the beach or a barbeque. Be tasteful in how much skin you reveal and leave your baseball cap at home.
Go early. Many opera companies offer informal tutorials before the performance. This is a chance to learn about the story you are about to see and hear, the composer and the opera company performing.
Buy a program. This is another useful tool for learning about the opera you will be experiencing. Knowing the cast of characters can help enhance your enjoyment.
Let the music flow over you. Most people do not understand the language the opera is in. However, this has not stopped millions of people over hundreds of years from enjoying the music and story. Many opera houses offer Surtitles. This works like subtitles in movies but the words are above the stage. Reading the words exclusively often takes away from the power of the words being sung. Use the Surtitles to help you throughout the story, but don’t be afraid to just listen and watch the players. The meaning of the words will still come through.
The thought of stepping into the world of opera, even for a few hours, is dreadful to some. It’s a departure from most pop culture events, yes. However, it’s not scary if you approach it with an open mind and heart.
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