“Hey I have Heard that Before…”
It has been gradually common for opera music and classical musical works to be included as part of advertisement strategies. Numerous attempts to make opera accessible for people of every socio-economic class has been more closely watched. It is perhaps possible for theatre and opera production and advertisement crew to help reverse the effects of the stereotype of the general public towards opera. In general, most people expect for opera to be a “old people” thing, when in fact opera is intended to be viewed by everyone. It is important to point out that during the rise of Opera in the eighteenth century, it was more common for opera to be attended by those who formed part of the higher status, or the wealthy, or powerful part of societies. Therefore, this had a huge impact on what kind of people should attend an opera premiere or event even to the date many people in general have the misconception that opera is something that is costly and should therefore be attended for special occasions. The most common ways have been cartoons, advertisements on the radio and on the television. As the author Justin Moss from the Huffington Post puts it “Opera is universal. Most people — no matter their age, ethnicity or social standing — have been exposed to some form of opera, even if they are not aware of it.” However, I think that in a certain form almost everyone has been in contact with a melody of an aria or song or theme from an opera and what better way to listen to opera as it is combined with cartoonist works. Sounds fun right? It’s nice to think in the words of Moss “They’ve never been to the opera. “Where have I heard that before?” they ask. The answer: their favorite cartoon, of course! For many of us, cartoons provided the first taste of this wonderful, transcendent art form.” (Huffington Post 06/26/2012 , accessed April 2014)
However, I question is it an attempt to provide access to younger generations to operatic works? Smaller operas are being formatted to be more child-friendly such as Hanzel and Gretel or even “Where the Wild Things Are.” Better to appreciate opera while you are still growing than to miss out on Opera in a whole.

Alexsandra Castellanos