There is always a first time for everything. Do you want to surprise someone special? Or simply wish to embark on a journey into a new and exciting world of music?
Buying tickets to go to the opera the first time can be the beginning of an unexpected passion. Everything revolving around opera can sometimes seem all too serious, in fact it is not an entirely uncommon occurrence that someone who approaches the theater a first time may decide not to set foot there again.
1. KNOW THE OPERA YOU ARE GOING TO SEE.
To avoid having an unpleasant surprise, the first thing to do is to inquire about the content of the opera. It does not matter to know the end of the story from the beginning, because the magic of opera performance is precisely that you can get excited knowing in advance what will happen.
Opera is not just musical theater. Throughout European history it has been a key and essential element in understanding the political, social and artistic changes of an era. This is why it is of great importance to do prior research on the composer and the era in which the opera is set, so that we can grasp its essence more directly.
Take a look at our program so that you can get a feel for our wonderful collection of arias.
2. IT IS IMPORTANT TO ORGANIZE THE PRACTICAL ASPECTS
In order to fully enjoy an opera, it is important to be in a state of mind that allows you to be calm and be able to focus your energy without any kind of hurry. Opera houses are usually located in the center of cities so it is really helpful to plan your commute to avoid any unfortunate situations. Once the performance starts, you cannot enter the hall anymore so as not to annoy other spectators. Therefore, the best option is to arrive in time to be able to have a drink like an aperitif before the show, rather than arriving at the last minute without having found a parking space and with bated breath.
It is also important to know the length of the concert; some productions can be over in an hour and a half and others last over four hours. If you have made reservations to go to dinner after the performance and have not calculated the time well, difficulties may arise with the restaurant.
3. THE IMPORTANCE OF CHOOSING WHO ACCOMPANIES YOU
Many people think that opera is a sophisticated performance, thus a gift with which to make a good impression. Unfortunately, however, if the person accompanying you does not share the same passion, the evening may have unpleasant consequences for both of you.
Check, first of all, your date’s operatic interest. Another possibility is to go in the company of a classical music enthusiast who can explain the content of the opera and provide you with useful pointers, embellished perhaps even with some amusing anecdotes, as well as clarify your doubts. If you go instead in the company of your better half and there are things you may not have understood or find strange, try to exchange impressions with other people in the interval. Do not be afraid to make a bad impression since opera is for everyone. I assure you that even those who go into it professionally can learn something from those who experience it for the first time.
4. THE PRICE OF THE TICKET
To break a myth: opera is not an activity only for wealthy people. On the contrary, there are numerous theaters that have very affordable prices. In any case, if you are skillful and organize the purchase of tickets in time, you will surely be able to find tickets at a good price.
5. SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCE
Whether the first opera night was to your liking or whether it left you indifferent does not mean that it is not a good idea to share your experience and impressions.
This you can do, for example, if you log on to our Facebook, Instagram or TripAdvisor page. On our channels you will find many people like you who want to share their favorite moments.
Opera Opera di Roma thanks you and wishes you that your first time is only the beginning of a long, wonderful and unforgettable passion.