Opera for Dummies

Disclaimer: You’re not dumb. Even if you’ve never attended in person, most people have experienced opera in some way either consciously or subconsciously at some point in their lives. If you’re like me then it has shaped the course of your life and you can’t sleep without three different operas in different languages in your head all night. I told you, my dreams are weird.

What is opera? It’s awesome. Literally, the definition of awesome. Full of awe and splendor and the power of the human body connected with sound. It’s also been described as when someone gets stabbed only to have a witchy mezzo enter stage left to reveal that the killer is the victim’s half brother and then instead of dying, they sing about it. Then they die. And…curtain! CLAPPING EMOJI!

Photo by Helenna Santos

Not every opera ends in mass death, thank goodness. Just like movie genres, some operas are romantic comedies, some are mysterious, some are surreal, and some are profoundly moving and reflect the human experience. Just like Game of Thrones, some involve twincest and fancy sword play. Just like My Big Fat Greek Wedding, some involve a series of hilarious events that ends up in a big celebration. There truly is something for everyone’s tastes and moods.

Opera is human acoustics in action. It packs a visceral punch of sheer humanity, and provides variety from the constant hum of my computer and TV. For me, it mimics the slow and tactile joy of reading an actual book. Not a kindle, and not on my iPad. A physical book with all the sensory stimulants those can bring. It’s also live theater with no options of do-overs, second takes, or fast forward.

At its very least, opera can be an option on the menu when it comes to choosing how to consume art and culture. At its best, it will change your life for the better and open your mind up to amazing people who are working to create positive change in the world.

Where to start? The first thing I recommend to new opera goers is to spoil the ending. Read the story from beginning to end before you go. Trust me, the combination of reading the supertitles and taking in the music is enough for anyone to manage and you will enjoy everything so much more if you know what the hell is going on. Even if it’s in English, do yourself a favor and do some research before you go. If you can google search videos of cats being frightened by cucumbers, you can google the plot of Tosca.

I know the story of Madama Butterfly inside and out and yet I still find myself watching and hoping that this time there will be a different outcome. Maybe this time she won’t disembowel herself at the end of the opera. Maybe. Then again, maybe next time. I promise that you’re not going to spoil things if you read through the synopsis and get to know the characters. It will only add depth to your experience.

A lot of opera houses even offer pre-performance chats with an in-house-super-nerd who will bring their own wisdom and insight to you. They will offer a unique perspective on the time period a work was written in, its historical significance, and some key moments to listen for. Think of it as a trailer for the main event. It piques your interest and gives you an outline of what’s to come.

The second thing I advise is to wear something comfortable. You don’t go to the movies in an evening gown, so why do you think you have to wear one to the opera? Perhaps because of the popular narrative that depicts elite and snooty opera goers? Sure, those people will be there and you may find it fun to dress up sometimes. However, you can literally wear whatever you want.

As I’ve written before, you will not catch me at the opera in spanx, a tight fitting gown, and heels. It’s too much of a production to get in and out of the bathroom at intermission while wearing three layers of spandex. If you don’t know this already, let me ruin the glamour of ladies in Lycra for you: We have definitely peed on ourselves while striving for fashion.

The last opera I watched in person was La Traviata at San Francisco Opera where I wore sneakers, leggings, and a jacket with pockets for my snacks and a Diet Coke. After the show was over, I spotted the leading lady leaving the theater wearing pretty much exactly the same thing. We’re not always fancy. We’re artists and we need snacks and sensible shoes.

Ok, so you know the story and you have your stretchy pants on. Now what? Buy yourself a glass of champagne and enjoy the show! Clap and cheer when you want to and say hi to your neighbors. The last person I sat next to at the opera ended up being a family member of someone in the cast and we cheered together extra loudly when they took their bow. It was heartwarming and memorable.

Not every encounter with an audience member is awesome. I often take students with me to the opera and happily, more and more of those students are women of color. I will sometimes hear remarks like, “We didn’t know thosekind of people went to the opera.” I try my best to use it as an opportunity for connection and learning, all the while estimating how far I could physically launch a human from the second balcony. RAGE EMOJI.

I introduce my students to the bejeweled buffoons, talk over them about their studies and how talented my students are, and usually leave with some pithy remark about how one day soon they’ll be paying good money to watch that student perform on the stage in front of us. And I mean it. Give these students your money, sit down, and behave yourselves.

“But Roz, which opera is a good starter opera?” This is another common question and the answer is that it depends on what you like. Most people suggest some of the standards like Carmen, La Boheme, or Barber of Seville. These are all great and they are most likely being performed at an opera house within driving distance of your home right at this very moment. They have arias and duets that you may even recognize and want to hum or sing along to, and I personally have no problem with that.

It used to be commonly accepted for audience members to chat and mingle during the show but somewhere along the way we’ve fancied opera up a bunch. There are even blogs and websites written by people who keep track of every little extraneous noise they hear from their fellow opera goers from the moment the lights dim until the curtain falls.

I really don’t care about human noises in the audience. For one, I promise you that we can’t hear it from the stage. We can’t hear much of anything with a 60 person orchestra under our feet and a screlting tenor in our ear. If you’re in the audience and you want to laugh, cry, cheer, or chat quietly with someone nearby I am here for it. Opera is a lived experience and too many strict rules only add to the problem opera has of being perceived as stuffy and elitist. Everybody, chill out.

When it comes to what to see first, I will often suggest that people find out WHO is performing and focus less on WHAT the show is. I believe that a personal connection to an artist on stage is probably the best way to build a lasting and meaningful impact on new audience members. I mean, I wouldn’t have spent money going to see “Aquaman” without knowing Jason Momoa was in it. Right? DROOL EMOJI.

Luckily for us, this is when modern media can step in to help. Follow them on Instagram! Find them on YouTube! Get to know them through the lens of social media and learn what roles and companies they’ll be performing at soon. Most opera singers have accounts they mange themselves and will be thrilled and open to answering questions and responding to happy comments. It’s in their best interest to get to know you, their audience.

I’d like to share a few of my favorite current working singers who you can find on social media and maybe see in person at a theater near you. These are artists who will be performing at three different kinds of opera companies in the near future: one regional company, one large North American company, and one large international company. I’m also going to introduce one of the most influential artists of our time that you all need to know about.

I plan to continue showcasing some of my friends and colleagues through this writing so that opera remains a living and breathing thing. We can get into some of my favorite singers of the past once you’re hooked and totally addicted. WINKY FACE EMOJI.

First up is one of the most exciting summer festival companies in the America: Glimmerglass Opera. It’s located in New York State on Otsego Lake, just north of Cooperstown. No cell phone reception and tons of opera. The festival is well known for producing lesser-known and rare works, along with hosting a thriving young artist program where singers who are up-and-coming stars can get their start.

One such singer is a wonderful soprano named Emilie Kealani Suarez. Emilie will have her debut with the Glimmerglass Festival this summer in Puccini’s La Boheme as the delightful, fiery, and generous “Musetta.”

A little bit about Emilie? She’s currently pursuing her Master’s degree at the prestigious Curtis Institute in Philadelphia (Curtis happens to be my alma mater as well). How prestigious is Curtis? Let’s just say I turned down my full ride Juilliard acceptance to go to Curtis. FANCY MANICURE EMOJI.

Emilie Suarez. See? We’re not always fancy. You can wear your pajamas to the opera if you really want to.

I have known Emilie since she was 14 years old when she was in high school here in San Francisco and I have been a constant teacher, mentor, and cheerleader of hers since then. So, I’m a little biased when it comes to her, but I’m also right. She’s the real deal and this debut will be one of many coming up for her. There’s something extra special about getting to know and supporting a young singer while they’re on the brink of a major international career. Emilie gets a STAR EMOJI for sure.

Next up is a world premiere opera planned for this summer at my home company, San Francisco Opera. The compelling and thrilling composer, Gabriela Lena Frank, will debut her first opera in celebration of San Francisco Opera’s Centennial season. Ms. Frank lives in the Bay Area and is also founder of the Gabriela Lena Frank Creative Academy of Music, where she works to inspire emerging composers, mentor and support the building of artistically enriched lives, and leads programs that practice climate citizenship where she supports and leads meaningful action of addressing the environmental crisis.

I know, right? Just when I think I’m making a small difference in the lives of humans, I am humbled by her work and mentorship. I encourage you to check out her website and donate if you are able. Or pass it on to rich people you know who have extra heaps of cash lying around.

Starring in this world premiere opera is mezzo-soprano Daniela Mack. Not only is Daniela one of the world’s most amazing artists who has been described as “A purringly elegant BMW of a singer” (The Telegraph), she is also a wonderful human whose vocal prowess is only outdone by her sparkling personality, generosity, and kindness. The first time I saw her on stage was in Rossini’s La Cenerentola, which is basically the story of Cinderella, and my jaw was on the floor for most of the show. It’s incredible to watch an artist like this in action. Do not miss it.

This summer also brings the famous Salzburg Festival where they will be presenting a new production of Verdi’s Falstaff. This singer is the only one from this list that I don’t know personally, but I’m a huge fan. Ying Fang has one of those bell-like, crystalline sounds that makes me wonder why I even attempt singing at all. It’s just so freaking pretty. She will sing the role of “Nanetta” and it is sure to be stunning. Headed to Europe this summer? Stop by Salzburg for a schnitzel and a show.

Lastly, and perhaps most mightily, everyone everywhere needs to know who Karen Slack is. To me, she is the Oprah of the opera world. Working tirelessly on her own craft while lifting up those around her and working to make artistic and entrepreneurial spaces accessible to all. Beyond her supremely stunning voice, Karen is a powerhouse activist and mentor. She’s single handedly the reason I get to call San Francisco Opera my home company because of her behind the scenes advocacy for me and my voice. She has been a big sister presence in my life since 2005 and I absolutely adore, admire, and am slightly afraid of her in the best way possible.

Not only is she working everywhere as a singer, she serves as Portland Opera’s Artistic Advisor where she helped establish the nation’s first all BIPOC class of singers. “She works directly with the artists through coaching, mentoring, diction and language training to ensure the next generation of world class talented singers have the skills needed to be successful.” She’s also the Co-Director of the Banff Center for the Performing Arts, the Co-Chair of Opera America’s Women’s Opera Network, and a recent recipient of the Sphinx Award for Excellence. CROWN EMOJI.

If you ask anyone in the industry about her, the common response is that Karen is, “THE BOMB DOT COM.” Her friends call her Kiki, and as if she doesn’t have enough on her schedule she also hosts Kiki Konversations where she invites influential industry professionals and just like Oprah, interviews them, connects with them, and helps us all feel a little less lonely.

There. Now, when someone asks you to name an opera singer, you can answer with four names besides Pl*cido D*mingo or P*varotti. Trust me, these women may not be household names YET, but they’re bringing their passion and joy to the world in a more significant and healthy way every single day.

Operas are stories that have lasted because of either their significance or relevance to modern times, and/or the glorious music that amplifies and describes the emotions of every character on stage. It’s vital to the thread of human storytelling, acting as a timeline of current events, and holds a mirror up to both the society of the era and often the one we currently live in.

Operas are also being written every day. Like right now. Somewhere in Northern California, Gabriela Lena Frank is writing the next work that will likely be as well known and revered as compositions by Mozart or Beethoven. It is not a dead art. It is alive, thriving, and weaving the story of our lives with awesome people like the four women I described above. Get into it. It’s cool. See you at the opera, cool kids. SUNGLASSES ON FACE EMOJI.