Watching a scene from the opera Die Fledermaus.
Never been to the opera? Do you remember the scene in Pretty Woman where Richard Gere takes Julia Roberts to the opera for the first time? By the end of the show, Julia is in tears with the emotion of the performance. They were watching La traviata, an Italian opera about a prostitute who falls in love with a wealthy man. She becomes an opera fan and most definitely no longer a virgin.
Here’s our guide to making your first time an amazing experience...
Read a bit and listen too
Read the synopsis of the story. It will give you an outline of the plot. If you buy a program at the event, it will tell you the story.
If you want to do extra research, you can read the libretto. A libretto is a written piece that gives the lyrics plus sometimes stage directions and other details.
Once you know the plot, you might like to listen to a recording of the music to become familiar with it. Imagine how different it is going to a rock concert and not knowing the songs as opposed to knowing the music so well you know all the words. Buy or borrow a CD from the library for the opera you are going to see.
The internet is a great source of opera information and music excerpts.
Choose an opera that is good for beginners
What operas are suitable for virgin opera-goers? Well, there aren’t any rules about this but operas by Mozart and Puccini are favourites. Strauss or comic operas can be an entertaining option rather than something too heavy. Maybe leave the more serious German and Russian operas or the 16 hour endurance performance of The Ring, until you’ve developed more opera appreciation skills.
Try La traviata (which Julia loved in Pretty Woman) Tosca, La Boheme, Lucia di Lammermoor, Il Trovatore (The Troubadour), Don Giovanni or The Marriage of Figaro.
Opera Queensland presents three major productions and numerous smaller ones each year.
Dress up – or not!
Many people like to dress up when they go to the opera – it is all part of the fun. These days you can pretty much wear what you want and it’s up to you whether you go for glamour or not.
The opera dictionary
Here are a few definitions from the world of opera:
- Aria – an emotive song sung as a solo with orchestral accompaniment. Even without knowing much about opera you would probably recognise some of the more famous arias as they often feature in advertisements or films.
- Bravo – the Italian word for expressing your appreciation to a male performer.
- Brava – the Italian word for expressing your appreciation to a female performer.
- Bravi – the Italian word for expressing your appreciation to two or more performers.
- Chorus – a group of singers singing together.
- Opera glasses – dainty binoculars. You can take regular small binoculars to the performance if you want. They will help you see details of expressions, costumes and set design if you are towards the back of the theatre.
- Overture – an instrumental or orchestral piece that acts as an introduction to an opera or other theatre work.
Other ways to get into opera in Brisbane
Attend some of the events organised by Opera Queensland. Choose from celebrity afternoon teas, free performances or introductory evenings.
Listen to radio 4MBS for the Exploring Opera! Series.
Helpful websites for opera virgins
Read more definitions at Operapaedia. The information about types of opera voices is good too.
Our etiquette guide for going to the opera, ballet or other performance gives you advice on what (not) to do.
Indulge in the Classic 100 opera moments as voted by ABC radio listeners.
