1 minute read
Why such a big deal about young people at the Opera?
by Patrick Corrigan, General Director
Patrick Corrigan - General Director
Romeo and Juliette, Carmen, and the heroes of La Bohème and the Magic Flute - all young people. Would it surprise you to know that each season about half of our casts are singers under 35?
Opera is all about young people. So let’s give them a break, shall we?
Everyone constantly tells us: “Oh! You have to get the young people!”, and of course we do. But don't presume that young people don’t appreciate opera. Because they do. They love opera and we have the numbers to prove it. We offer 50% off subscription to audiences between 18 to 34. We offer a cocktail before the opera for young adults every Tuesday performance. We welcome thousands of students to dress rehearsals each season and we have school programs at every level – University, College, High School and Elementary. All these programs and events are filled with young people who appreciate opera and participate regularly.
The attendance tonight is over 40% young people. In fact, if you ask me, the audience is 100% young people, because honestly, though we are delighted to welcome a younger audience, everyone here is youthful and important to us. I’m 57, but I used to be 19! (see photo below) As I always tell our team: Everyone who comes through our doors is Frank Sinatra! A somebody, baby!
Patrick Corrigan at 19 y/o
So, if there is anything more we can possibly do to help bring younger people to the opera, call us and let us know. Instagram us. Facebook us. Whatever you kids do, nowadays. If you want to organize a group of friends, if you are a teacher or a parent, or anyone who would like to be part of introducing opera to young people – please contact us so we can find the best way to make that happen.
Please contact us:
514.985.2258 / +1 877.385.2222
info@operademontreal.com
instagram.com/operademontreal
facebook.com/operademontreal
