The word “opera” is derived from the plural form of the Latin word “opus” or “work,” so opera loosely means “many works.” It is an art form that is primarily theatrical in which the actors sing their lines, accompanied by an orchestra. These are three of the “works”: theater, singing actors, symphonic music. Others include choral singing, visual design, dancing, costume design, history, poetry, mythology, and a host of others. Because opera includes so many disciplines it is called “The King of Art Forms.”

Composers of operas are storytellers who use music to enhance the emotions of the moment, or to recall some past action or to anticipate some future action. Think of what a song like “O what a beautiful morning,” would be like if the words were simply spoken. Or an Adele song without the music. You know the saying “A picture is worth 1,000 words?” The same thing could be said of a musical phrase.

Musical theater – “Oklahoma,” “The Sound of Music,” etc., is derived from opera. Musicals include spoken lines interspersed with music and dance. Opera is usually bigger, and more complex, and music plays the primary role. Opera is musical theater on steroids.