What is it about Opera? The answer is here!

For several years, PORTopera has offered an in-home program that answers many of the questions you and your friends and family have about opera. The program is called “What is it about Opera?” It’s free, it’s entertaining and exposes many of the mysteries of this sometimes bewildering art form. The result is that attendees leave with a deeper understanding and appreciation of opera, particularly the opera that is being presented by PORTopera in this season.

Here’s how it works: The program is given in your home to as many people–neighbors, friends, co-workers–as you are comfortable with. 10 or 12 is a good number, but the program has been presented to groups of all sizes, up to 60 or 70. You set up a date with PORTopera (call 207-879-7678). A PORTopera representative comes to your home and gives the program, usually 45 minutes to an hour. DVDs are used to show excerpts of the operas in question. It helps if you have a TV with a DVD player. Wine tastings work well as do morning coffees, brunches, and cocktail hours. Some hostesses have even had groups over for full dinners! The only qualifications are that your guests have at least a mild interest in the arts, thus a potential interest in opera.

The goals for “What is it about Opera?” are to demonstrate the elements of opera that inspire so many people, create “converts” and persuade listeners to attend our performances. You are our best ambassadors! The programs are given by PORTopera co-founder Jack Riddle, PORTopera dramaturg Calien Lewis and other opera-knowledgeable people. Their approach is light-hearted, not serious or bookish, occasionally humorous (there is much to be humorous about!), and interactive, so the audience is encouraged to participate.

This program also works well with book clubs, libraries and other groups you may be involved with. Did we tell you it’s free?