Opera music and performances have a long, storied history worldwide. With dramatic story lines and entrancing vocals, opera has been delighting audiences for over 400 years.

And yet, much like any other musical genre, opera has experienced its ebbs and flows. Despite maintaining an historical popularity, today’s opera companies have battled certain perception problems which have threatened this musical style’s viability with current music affecionados.

Opera in the United States

Opera has been performed in the United States since the late 1800’s, with its American roots traced to the New York Metropolitan Opera. Long popular with Italian immigrants in particular, the style soon reached across the country, with opera companies established in most major cities.

Today, there are over 140 opera companies in the United States. There are challenges appealing to today’s audiences, particularly overcoming the viewpoint that opera only appeals to the elite. Fortunately, many of these companies have developed an inclusive educational approach, and the results are very promising.

One of the historical challenges is that most operas are sung in Italian, which some audiences find as an impediment and off putting, particularly if they have no knowledge of the language. Further, traditional dress codes for opera performances can leave the modern generation feeling excluded. To combat these perceptions, many American opera companies have tackled the challenges head on with a unique sequence of strategies designed to attract new audiences.

Making Opera Approachable

Many opera companies seek to underscore the fascinating story lines of great, traditional operas like La Boheme, La Traviata, and others. Much like a classic movie that can be enjoyed again and again, these operas present timeless stories that are easily identified with all ages. A simple solution to the language issue is English subtitles, now fairly common during performances.

Further, many companies offer a pre performance lecture, which introduces audiences to various characters and introduces them to musical nuances. These lectures are proving very successful, as audiences seem less intimidated and willingly wrap themselves in the story. Also, the issue of dress code is being met head on, with one opera company encouraging casual dress if desired. In an effort to include anyone who may be interested in attending a performance, they state, “We love you no matter what you’re wearing”.

Attracting The Next Generation

Most importantly, opera companies are aggressively reaching out to young, talented singers. Many offer a Young Artists Program, designed to develop the talents needed to perform. These highly sought after programs include training on stage presence, diction, and voice development. Intensive individual coaching also plays a part, with the end result being a starring or supportive role in opera performances.

Many vibrant, attractive budding opera stars have burst onto the scene after completing these programs. These talented young singers attract not only a new generation, but traditionalists as well.

All of these efforts bode well for the future of opera. This traditional musical style is very fortunate to have supportive influencers who recognize the need to embrace and appeal to a new era of music lovers.