Millennials ought to be opera-curious
Young adults will love its Instagram-worthy sets and intense plot twists Fans of The Tudors will love Anna Bolena, an opera about Henry VIII’s second wife, Anne Boleyn.
A few centuries ago an evening at the opera was considered a serious social event for people of all ages. Unfortunately, it doesn’t have the same hip factor it used to — and millennials just aren’t as interested in the art form as they could (and perhaps should) be. What many 20- and 30-somethings don’t realize is that opera actually has a lot of what they’re looking for in a fun night out. With its shocking plots, elaborate costumes and eye-popping backdrops, it fits right in with the millennials’ intrinsic desire to live large.
Opera is all about the experience, says Alexander Neef, general director of the Canadian Opera Company.
“It’s not something you can watch on Netflix or listen to on Spotify,” he says. “OK, you could, but it’s never going to give you that thrill that you experience when it’s happening right in front of you.”
From social-media-worthy moments to wow-factor life experiences, a night at the opera checks all the boxes. Here are four reasons why millennials should be more opera-curious. 1. It’s cheaper than a custom cocktail There’s a misconception that opera is expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. The Canadian Opera Company sells standing room tickets to every performance for a measly $12. (Yes, you just spent more on that Hickory Smoked Manhattan.)
If you’re a 20-something you can benefit from their Under 30 program, which includes tickets to mainstage performances for $22. And for $35 they’ll bump you to the best available seats in the house. 2. The stories are more familiar than foreign Sure, they may be singing in a language you can’t understand, but you can always follow along with the subtitle boards. Plus, you might already know the story.
Some of your favourite books, plays and movies are also operas. Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Alice in Wonderland and The Little Prince are just a few of the wellknown tales that have been given the operatic treatment. Inspiration goes both ways, of course, and you might be surprised to learn that opera has inspired stage productions and films you’ve seen.
The opera Madame Butterfly inspired the musical Miss Saigon, and Rent was based on the opera La Boehme. 3. You must see it to believe it “One of the most exciting things about opera is experiencing the power of an unamplified voice,” says Neef.
Unlike most other musical performances, opera singers aren’t mic’d — something that has to be seen (and heard) to be believed. Opera singing has sometimes been called “the Olympics of singing” and for good reason.
“They have no tools beyond mastering the resources of their own body to produce sound that travels, and in our case, fills the Four Seasons Centre (for the Performing Arts),” says Neef. “I’ve been working in opera for 20 years and it still impresses me.” 4. Opera was made for music lovers (of all kinds) If you have a meticulous vinyl collection, have listened to a favourite song on repeat to soothe a broken heart, or if playing guitar is your passion, there’s a chance you’ll love opera, too.
“I think opera is for people who react emotionally to music,” says Neef. “There are people who listen to music as a kind of background and there are people for whom music means a bit more — it’s important in their lives.” “You will go there, sit down and the music will come around you and you will feel something or you won’t. But if you do, it can be a very strong connection.” WHAT’S ON Here are a few of the Canadian Opera Company’s upcoming events and performances that are perfect for 20- and 30somethings:
The Nightingale and Other Short Fables is on stage at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts until May 19.
In this upside-down performance, the orchestra is on the stage, the orchestral pit is filled with water and there’s a whimsical use of puppetry to bring the music to life. “This is the most unusual opera experience you could imagine,” says Neef. “It’s a crazy evening, but it still has that one ingredient that all great opera performances have — the voice.”
Tickets available at coc.ca or by calling 416-363-8231.
Anna Bolena is on at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts until May 26.
If you’ve binge watched The Tudors, you’ll love this production about Henry VIII’s second wife. Watch the drama unfold as the king tires of Anne Boleyn, and she fights for her life.
Tickets available at coc.ca or by calling 416-363-8231. Operanation May 17, 9 p.m. Join a fashion, art and operainfused party inspired by the upcoming world premiere of Rufus Wainwright’s Hadrian. (Which will run on-stage in October.) Party tickets are $150 and include an open bar, eats and a musical performance.
Tickets are on sale at coc.ca or by calling 416-363-8231. POPERA! May 26, 5 p.m. Bring a little melodrama to your meal with this casual evening of opera hosted by Drake One Fifty.
Singers from the COC’s Ensemble Studio will serenade you before a delicious threecourse dinner. Prix-fixe tickets are $50, or $15 for the performance only. For tickets, email opera@drakeonefifty.ca or call 416-363-6150.