Why should I go to the opera?
Opera is the ultimate multimedia experience, embodying the best of all the performing arts. Spectacular sets, grand costumes, glorious music, heartbreaking stories-opera has everything and its all done live.
Will I be able to understand what is going on even if it isn’t in English?
Most opera productions, while sung in a foreign language, have English French surtitles projected above the stage so that the audience can follow the plot. During an aria, however, if there are words or phrases that are repeated, then the surtitles will appear only once, allowing the audience to immerse themselves in the music and drama.
Are tickets to the opera expensive?
Our prices are much more reasonable than you probably realize. Opera New Brunswick even provides discounted tickets for students. For more ticket information, please visit the Box Office page of our website.
Is there a dress code for the opera?
A common misconception about opera is that there is a dress code for audience members. There are people who enjoy getting as dressed up as possible for an evening at the opera, but this isn’t necessary. Although a night at the opera was once n opportunity to wear one’s most elegant clothes and compete with each other for the most glamorous outfit, things are much more relaxed these days. Come to the opera and you are likely to see people in everything from jeans to tuxedos.
Will I be able to enter the theatre once the performance has started?
It would be rude to the performers and the other audience members if we let people into the theatre once the performance begins. If there is an appropriate musical break, latecomers may be seated at that time. If not, they will be seated at the first intermission.
When should I clap during the performance?
As a general rule, applause occurs when the conductor comes out to begin the overture, at the end of each act and at the end of a performance. In between, when an aria ends, the audience will reward the singer by clapping briefly until the action resumes. When expressing your appreciation for a particular segment, here are the appropriate words:
- Bravo- for a male performer
- Brava-for a female performer
- Bravi-for a group of performers
- Brave-for a group of female performers
If a performer or cast particularly impresses you, feel free to give a standing ovation at the end of the performance.
What is an aria?
An aria is an operatic song for one voice. An operatic song for two voices is called duet, and for three voices, a trio.
How long does an opera last?
Most operas performed in North America today usually last between 2.5 and 3 hours. Wagner’s Ring Cycle, however, lasts for sixteen hours.
Is there intermission?
Yes. The companies usually have two intermissions for most three-act operas, and a single intermission for two-act operas.
Any thing else I should know?
Please remain quiet from the time the orchestra starts (the overture is part of the opera, too!) so that everyone around you can enjoy the music. Don't open candy or gum wrappers, talk, use your cell phone or pager during the performance. Be sure to turn off your pager, watch alarm and phone when you enter the theater. There is plenty of opportunity to chat with people during intermission. Please do not sing along, tap in time, get up and move around or try to read your program while the performance is in progress - it's really distracting to the people around you!