Opera and Our Emotions

This past Friday evening, I attended the Fargo-Moorhead Opera Company's stunning production of Verdi's La Traviata at Festival Hall at NDSU. From the first notes of the overture, I felt myself swept into a world of beauty and heartbreak. The music was exquisite, the acting sincere, and the emotions — overwhelming at times. By the tragic ending, I found tears in my eyes, not just for Violetta's fate, but for the tenderness and truth the story revealed about love and sacrifice.

That's what I love most about opera. It's not simply a performance, but a reflection of life itself. Every character embodies emotions we all experience — joy, jealousy, hope, despair, forgiveness, and longing. As singers, when we study and perform these roles, we aren't just learning notes and rhythms--we're learning empathy. We step into someone else's heart for a while and discover what it feels like to be them. The act of understanding changes how we listen, how we respond, and how we connect with others in our daily lives.

Opera also teaches us about patience and humility. It takes hours of practice to shape each phrase, to align the voice with honest emotion. In the same way, understanding people in real life takes time and compassion. Both require us to slow down, listen, and allow a story to unfold.

As I left the hall, still humming Verdi's melodies, I felt grateful for the reminder that music connects us in ways words alone never could. I'm already looking forward to the upcoming performance of Amahl and the Night Visitors on November 21st, another chance to feel, to connect, and to celebrate the beauty of being human.