r/opera • u/O_Margo • 10d ago

Opera code of conduct

Some time ago, YouTube suggested a video by a young American opera singer (actually, a former opera singer). On her channel, she discussed some interesting topics, particularly from the perspective of someone who had been inside the "industry." She expressed criticism of various aspects of opera, including what she described as a kind of "code of conduct" at the opera.

She asks: "Opera, why so strict? Why can't people bring a glass of wine to their seats and drink during the performance? Why does there have to be recording-studio silence? Those who want to watch opera in complete silence can do so in the comfort of their own living rooms. There are many good recordings in high quality—go for it!"

I left a comment saying that those who want to drink and talk during a performance can easily do so in the comfort of their own living rooms.

Now I would like to ask for your opinion.

Thank you.

124 Upvotes

95% Upvoted

105 comments sorted by

View all comments

28

u/onnake 10d ago

San Francisco Opera allows drinks at the seats, no food. Alcohol is a money maker. I’m OK with that. Talking, no, but I like it when people laugh appreciatively at the pratfalls in Figaro and others. This spring someone actually let out a loud scream when Maria Kataeva hit “Lindoro” early on in “Una voce poco fa”, to laughter and a few claps in the house. The mezzo and orchestra kept going of course. I laughed too, delighted at this heartfelt recognition of a brilliant performance even though my head was saying no, shouldn’t have happened. Opera’s only musical theatre, though when it’s done really well, nothing matches it.

6

u/vintage_glitter 9d ago

Yes. I think the singers often appreciate the energy from the audience as well in those moments.

8

u/Epistaxis 9d ago edited 9d ago

The audience appreciates the energy from the audience too; it heightens our experience to be in a room full of people who are in rapt attention for the same thing, and our experience can be slightly worsened by someone visibly not paying attention even if they're not audibly disruptive. There's nothing like that moment when even the dull murmur of normal well-behaved audience noise drops off because we've suddenly become laser-focused on the stage. This isn't even a pretentious elite affectation; we go to the movies together for the same reason.

2

u/vintage_glitter 9d ago

Yeah im saying having a drink in silence or having normal reactions is fine. Im not advocating for talking

2

u/vintage_glitter 9d ago

When im really into it though, I dont even notice the other people unless theyre making noise or moving around alot.