Opera Mythconception #2: It’s boring

From Viking helmets to bank-breaking ticket prices, preconceived notions about opera have long deterred large swaths of the public from going anywhere near the art form. It’s a shame, since most of these myths and misconceptions—these “mythconceptions,” if you will—couldn’t be further from the truth. In this series, we debunk five of the most persistent ones and show why opera today is as comprehensible, delectable, accessible, and affordable as it’s ever been in its 400-year history. 

This is part 2 of a 5-part series. We're also debunking other mythconceptions, from opera being hard to understand, stuffy, too long, and too expensive.

We all know the stereotype of operatic acting: a soprano planted downstage, singing her head off at no one in particular. We call this style of performance “park-and-bark,” and it’s a relic of the past. Singers today are trained extensively in acting, which is treated as equally important as their vocal technique. And HGO productions are directed by world-class directors who are masters of drama and epic storytelling. There’s a reason why they call opera grand. It’s hard to resist the spectacle of it all: the glittering costumes, the monumental sets, and the special effects.

And the plots of operas are thrilling in themselves, often filled with enough sex and gore to rival an HBO show. Whether it’s Lucia in her blood-stained wedding gown, Salome making out with a severed head, or Sieglinde and Siegmund locked in an incestuous embrace, there’s something fun for everyone! Operatic characters need a reason to pour out their hearts in song, and to get to that emotional high point, librettists have to put them in extreme situations.

To be sure, there are also plenty comedies, as well as G-rated operas. Look out for our annual Family Day production, which offers a high-quality, kid-friendly introduction to the art form.