You might be surprised, though, at how much you get caught up in the story. Even playing it in the background while you're working or driving will familiarize you with the music. If all else fails and you find one opera unappealing, try another from a later or earlier time period or by a different composer. Your library might also carry videos . If that's the case, pick up a performance of an opera you've become familiar with, and see what it looks like on stage.
Live opera adds a whole other dimension to the music.
After all, operas were designed to be performed, not just heard. Once you're familiar with some of the music, watching an opera on a stage where you can see the action unfold and hear live orchestra and singers will captivate you even more. Find out about the opera scene near you. May. To find an opera house near you, try checking out Stanford's OperaGlass listings . Start with an opera that you've already listened to, so you can compare what your vision with the opera company's.