BEGINNERS GUIDE TO OPERA
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What is Opera?
To the uninitiated, Opera has a scary reputation. People are often afraid of the unknown. They have all sorts of weird perceptions about it. The stereotype of the fat lady with her mouth wide open wielding a trident doesn't help at all.

You might admit to liking Pavarotti singing Nessum Dorma at World Cup'90, or those two guys singing that duet from the The Pearl Fishers but, you've never actually thought about going to an opera.

How often have you been to see a really good play and have come out of the theatre laughing or crying? Imagine all that good stuff from the theatre with an extra layer on top, a layer, of singing perhaps? The sad bit could be Mimi in La Bohème singing her farewell to Rodolfo and pulling at your heart strings with the beauty of her voice. The funny bit could be Leporello in Don Giovanni singing his hilarious aria about all the ladies he has conquered in his mellifluous baritone.

Then there are the costumes, the sets, the lighting, the magical atmosphere to transport you to another world. Rigoletto is a dramatic tale running the full gamut of emotions of love, licentiousness, hate, murder and sorrow. Contrast this with Samson & Dalila which is based on the biblical story of love, religious fervour, ambition, and spite. Add to both the haunting music and that is Opera!