“Opera, the fine art of emotions?”

Opera is considered by many to be a “total” art form because it blends music, singing, drama, poetry, staging and occasionally dance, into an extraordinary performance.

It is this complex combination that makes an opera performance one the few entertainments where all human emotions and passions are at work.

Parts of an Opera

The Libretto (Little Book) – Basically the ‘script’ of an opera

The Singing – The emotional text of an opera as sung by the actors

The Music – Some of the most popular classical music “tunes” come opera

The Staging – The visual interpretation and costumes of an opera and its characters

History of Opera

Opera was born in Italy sometime in the late 1600’s. The first commercial opera house was opened in Venice in 1637.

Opera soon spread throughout Europe. And it was considered to be the popular music of the common people. Even today opera and pop music frequently crossover.

Operatic pop or popera is a sub-genre of pop music that is performed in an operatic singing style or a song. Think of British songwriter and Queen lead singer, Freddie Mercury’s Bohemian Rhapsody.

The first major opera still performed today is La Favola d’Orfero (The Legend of Orpheus).

Opera Today

Opera today is more varied than ever.

While the standards for singers (actors) and the accompanying orchestra members remains very high; staging, costumes and settings have also become key elements to great opera performances.

Classic opera pieces are constantly being reinterpreted and reworked for modern audiences, in order to remain fresh and vibrant.

This is why we invite you to explore our opera tour packages … and see the great performances that are available at New York’s Metropolitan Opera House ™.