Opera is one of the finest art forms. People cross borders just to visit the great opera houses, hunting down tickets on every resale platform for the chance to hear the extraordinary voices of world-renowned tenors and altos. It dazzles, it inspires — and yes, it often costs a small fortune, but as we know, demand dictates price.

Yet not everyone truly connects with opera. And maybe that is… you? It could happen that when a friend gushes about the last performance they attended, you don’t quite share their excitement — perhaps even thinking it isn't something you would ever call an “amazing experience.” And still, somewhere deep down, you would love the chance to discover for yourself what makes it so special.

We are stepping inside the world of opera, with guidance from someone who knows it from the inside: Persian-Canadian operatic countertenor Cameron Shahbazi.

What do people usually say when asked why they are not really into opera? Too long. Hard to follow — whether because of the language or the style of singing. Slow pacing, with an ending that never seems to arrive. Do you think the same way? Believe me, you aren't alone.

But here is the surprise: operas aren’t actually much longer than what we binge on Netflix. If a film usually runs about 90 minutes, the average opera is closer to 120 — and some last barely an hour. So the “too long” excuse doesn’t really hold up.

And what about the language barrier? That isn't such a deal-breaker either. After all, we can watch foreign films without fully understanding every word, yet we still enjoy them. On top of that, opera houses provide handy programme notes that summarise the plot in a clear, accessible way. So this excuse also doesn’t work.

So, if these common objections can be so easily answered but you still don’t feel like an opera fan — what then? That is where we turn to Cameron Shahbazi for tips on how to truly understand, and maybe even fall in love with, opera.

Even professionals sometimes find certain productions dull or overlong. You don’t have to love every single part — it is perfectly fine to be critical. If you realise you aren't enjoying the whole performance, try focusing on one element that does catch your interest: perhaps the melody, the voice of a particular character, or even the costumes and staging.

And keep in mind — opera may not click with you straight away, but it might at another stage in your life. Don’t write it off forever; give it another try later on.

Think about the sheer forces and energy it takes to create an opera. Everything you witness on stage is pure, unfiltered, and free from anything artificial. The music is live — every player breathing in sync to maintain the atmosphere. The singers don’t rely on autotune or microphones; what you hear is the raw sound of the human voice, their most extraordinary instrument.

And it isn’t just 10, 20 or even 50 people. An opera usually brings together hundreds, working collectively to tell a story. That alone makes it a powerful art form.

One reason opera can feel overwhelming is the sheer choice: which show to see, which night to go, what it is actually about. A little preparation goes a long way — read a short synopsis, pick a story that sparks your interest, and look for a character or theme you can relate to.

The real key is emotional connection. Those people you see crying or laughing at the opera? Chances are, they did a bit of homework first.

Many people don’t feel “welcome” at the opera because they don’t know the music, language or story. That is completely normal. A little preparation — reading a brief outline, listening to a well-known aria, or simply glancing at the subtitles — can already make you feel part of it. Another tip: start with something lighter, not too long, and preferably well-known. Here are a few good options:

The experience starts long before the curtain: choosing the night, thinking what to wear, reading about the piece. That buildup adds to the enjoyment. Make it an occasion — dress in something that makes you feel good — don't adjust to the back tie, currently most places don't require it — just wear something you feel cool in.

Don’t rush off the moment the curtain falls. Give yourself ten minutes of quiet to let it sink in, then talk it through — the discussion only deepens the experience.