How About Opera
Welcome! You are about to discover an art form that truly has it all: music that will transport you, images that will move you and stories that will stick. But if you are curious, you may also have a number of questions: Do I need to know more Italian than just ‘prima donna’ and ‘bravo’? Is there a dress code I need to follow? And above all, am I actually going to enjoy it? You’ll find the answers to all these questions and more in this First Aid Kit for Opera. So don’t panic, just scroll down and learn all the basics for a seamless, splendid debut at La Monnaie.
What is opera?
Perhaps the question should be, What is it not? Opera is an art form that weaves together theatre, symphonic music, singing and the visual arts. In fact, opera is like an early blockbuster, a grandiose spectacle in which timeless stories are brought to life and universal feelings such as desire, loss and anger are all the more powerful as they are performed live. Opera touches both the heart and the head. Who can forget such melodies as ‘Figaro, Figaro!’ from The Barber of Seville, the ‘Queen of the Night’ aria from The Magic Flute, or the ‘Habanera’ from Carmen, given an update by Stromae a few years ago. And ever since Luciano Pavarotti, ‘Nessun dorma’ from Turandot has been a huge sing-along hit.
Is there an opera for me?
No need for you to scroll endlessly on your favourite streaming service. From romcoms to thrillers, costume dramas to fantasy, opera comes in all genres, and at La Monnaie you are sure to find something to your taste. This autumn alone, for example, you can choose between Falstaff, Giuseppe Verdi’s last opera (and a comic one at that!), the true, moving story of Ali, who several years ago travelled the perilous migration route through Libya as a 12-year-old, and the torrid passion of Bellini’s Norma. Would you rather be guided by what you are going to see? Check out our website and social media – Instagram, Facebook, YouTube – for trailers, interviews and other visuals to help you pick out your ideal opera experience.
© Pieter Claes
What should I wear?
If the gilding, red velvet seats and stately stairs of our theatre make you want to put on your finest gala dress or tuxedo, then by all means, please do. Does that mean that jeans, sneakers and hoodies are not allowed? Not at all. There is no mandatory dress code at La Monnaie, so be sure to wear whatever clothes you find most beautiful – or most comfortable.
How long does an opera performance last?
That can vary. Samuel Barber’s opera A Hand of Bridge lasts no more than 9 minutes, but a complete performance of Karlheinz Stockhausen’s cycle Licht will run for 29 hours, spread over 7 days. On average, however, an opera lasts around two and a half hours. Add to that a half-hour interval and you have a full evening’s worth of entertainment. But time flies when you’re on the edge of your seat. You can compare it to an evening of binge-watching, but live.
Is opera expensive?
The basic price of our tickets ranges from €12 (the price of a cinema ticket) to €150 for first-category seats (comparable to the best tickets at major rock concerts). An opera performance is the result of months of preparation by specialized singers, orchestra musicians and chorus members – together numbering around a hundred artists – who, moreover, always perform live and without amplification. And everything you see on stage – sets, costumes and props – is made in our own Workshops. Through the youth discounts (up to 60%!) offered by Young Opera, the social programme A bridge between two worlds and our educational offerings, we make opera extra accessible to everyone.
© Simon Van Rompay
Do I need to know Italian to understand opera?
From Monteverdi to Puccini via Rossini and Donizetti, the cradle of opera lies in Italy, and of the ten most frequently performed works worldwide today, eight are still sung in Italian. But German, French and Russian are also major opera languages, and English has been gaining ground in recent decades. Having said that, there are also operas in Czech, Gaelic and even Ancient Egyptian! Fortunately, opera is not just for polyglots or Duolingo adepts: we provide surtitles in Dutch and French for every performance. That way, you can understand every word that is sung! What’s more, it’s a cliché, but it’s true: music is a universal language. It whispers, raises its voice or sighs along with the tormented hearts, dark souls and enraptured lovebirds on stage, drawing you wordlessly into the story.
Should I prepare before going to the opera?
If you want to just let yourself be carried away by a total musical experience, then be our guest. But opera wouldn’t be opera without complex (family) intrigues, unexpected plot twists and psychological layers that sometimes make you think twice about what you’ve just seen and heard. If you want to be well prepared, you can attend an introduction in Dutch and French 45 minutes before the performance starts. You can also read up on the work, the context in which it was created and the specific approach of the production in the programme booklet, which contains a wealth of information. If you want to delve deeper into the score itself, you can come to our Inside the Music events, where an expert will analyse the score from start to finish in an accessible way. And the articles and videos on our website and social media will bring you up to date on the story and direction of the performance, whether you are at home or on the move. Beware of spoilers, however!
When can I applaud?
No one wants their applause to die out in an awkward silence, but rest assured, your enthusiasm will be appreciated by the singers, orchestra and conductor. Did that one sustained note sung by the diva blow you away? Feel free to clap! In Italian and French operas in particular, spontaneous applause is even secretly expected after an impressive aria, also known as the open curtain. And speaking of the curtain opening, traditionally, the audience applauds when the conductor enters the orchestra pit, at the beginning of the performance and after the interval. And after the final chord, you can let loose: from enthusiastic cheering to a standing ovation, make yourself heard!
What if opera is not for me after all?
If your first opera doesn’t quite hit the mark, don’t worry, our theatre has much more to offer. If you are looking for pure musical moments, stripped of visual drama, then our symphonic concerts might be more your thing. At the song recitals of the Vocalissimo programme, you can listen to the greatest voices of the moment in a more intimate setting, and during our weekly Concertini at lunchtime on Friday, you can enjoy chamber music performed by our orchestra musicians in the relaxed atmosphere of our Grand Foyer. Thanks to the Kids, Teens & Families programme, you’ve got your next family outing sorted, and we also have surprising performances in store for dance lovers every season. So see you soon!
