Share What Opera Is To You...

The emotions opera invokes in us are wide and varied. They often cause us to reflect on our own aspirations, hopes, and dreams. If you could only pick one word to describe what opera means to you, personally, what would that word be?

Everyone experiences the art form differently, we invite you to share with Lyric what opera means to you, and your answer could be featured in upcoming communications! And be on the lookout for these real-life responses the next time you visit the opera house.

Looking for inspiration? Here are a few examples from your fellow patrons and Lyric staff. 

Lyric attendee since 1992

What does opera mean to you?
Opera is LIFE! It's all there, everything about the human condition: love, hate, infatuation, heartbreak, life, death, happiness, sorrow, youth, aging, rich, poor, city life, rural life, frivolity, seriousness, gods, mortals. Few human endeavors can match it let alone surpass it.

What are you looking forward to this season?
The present production of Wagner's Ring pushes every opera-theory geek button I have. I can (and have with friends) talked at length about narrative layering in this production. It was terrific in every way I could imagine (actually, in ways I could not imagine). I am eagerly looking forward to Siegfried in November to see how the creative team continues their narrative play (Die Walküre last year was excellent). I plan to be at the Lyric for Götterdämmerung next season, and then if I can manage the finances, a week in Chicago to see the entire Ring when it's offered in April, 2020. A dream come true.

Lyric NEXT attendee and donor since 2014

What does opera mean to you?
Opera is DISCOVERY. The first time I took a class on “The History of Opera,” I discovered a passion for a genre I had never before considered. Each new opera is an experience in discovering new sounds, new stories, and new sensations. I feel I learn something new each time I visit Lyric.

What are you looking forward to this season?
There are two events, and I just can't choose between them: Anna Netrebko in Recital and La traviata. I fell in love with Anna Netrebko's voice the first time I heard a recording of her in Lucia di Lammermoor, and it's a dream come true to get to hear her live for the first time at Lyric this season. La traviata is my absolute favorite opera, and I can't wait to get caught up in the drama and tragedy of the story that is so enchantingly reflected in the music. This season is shaping up to be the best one yet, and I love coming back to Lyric every year. The feeling of anticipation and contentment that I get when I settle in for my first performance each year is a bit like coming home.

Manager of Audience Programs
Lyric employee since September 2016

What does opera mean to you?
Opera is ENGAGING. More than any other live performances, opera presents an engrossing experience. I often describe it as a movie in real time. The scenery, props, lighting, acting, and the score are happening right in front of you and it's always different every night. So you are seeing a once-in-a-lifetime performance every time you enter the theater. There's nothing else quite like it.

What are you looking forward to this season?
ELEKTRA! It's unlike anything else in opera, and arguably the most epic writing for the orchestra in the repertoire. Strauss and von Hofmannsthal really take you through an emotional roller coaster in only 100 minutes!