When I think opera, I think of an unapproachable atmosphere of wealth and status. Sure, the music is exquisite, but what college student can afford a ticket? Not too often do you hear your friends say they’re going to the opera. Simply put, opera houses don’t always feel as welcoming, which in turn makes opera as an art form distant from the majority of the population. However, one nonprofit organization is trying to change that perception. Opera On Tap hopes to challenge the idea that opera is simply a place of affluence and instead, celebrate the beauty of the art form itself.
As I entered Ypsilanti's Sidetrack Bar & Grill on Tuesday, Oct. 3, I had no idea what to expect. Tucked away to a sliver of the restaurant, older patrons began filing in. The anticipation on their faces made me that much more excited. There were several performers who prepared individual pieces pertaining to the theme of “Divas and Devils and Demons, Oh My!” While initially it was a bit odd to be the youngest person in the audience by a good 50 years, I found their excitement too palpable to ignore.
You hear it on television, in commercials, and in jest, but to hear real live opera in front of me was a completely different experience. I was truly blown away. If you’re in the area and looking to try something new, I implore you to check out Opera On Tap. It’s more than likely unlike anything you’ve ever done before, and it’s free to attend. They only ask for monetary donations, as they are a nonprofit. According to their website, Opera on Tap “incorporated in 2007 to promote opera as a viable, living and progressive art form and to support the developing artists who continue to keep the art form alive.”
I spoke with Glenn Perry who not only performs pieces, but runs the Ypsi charter as well.
MJ: I understand that Opera on Tap is an international nonprofit located in places like New York City, Chicago, Berlin, and....Ypsilanti/Ann Arbor? How did Opera on Tap come to the Washtenaw County area?
GP: The A2/Ypsi chapter was founded by Ko Kaiden, who still sings with us sometimes. He sang with the New York chapter, and when he moved here, he missed it. As a result, he started his own chapter. I think this is a somewhat common occurrence among OOT's singers. For example, the woman who founded the chapter in Berlin, Germany came directly from our chapter. By the way, I have been singing with OOT for 4 years, and managing it for the last 3.
MJ: Do you speak Italian?
GP: I do not speak Italian fluently, but I know enough to be able to translate what I'm singing,which is very critical of course. I can say the same about French, German, Spanish, Latin. I have also sung in Russian, Czech, and Hebrew, but I need help with translating those as I have had no actual training in those languages.
MJ: What is the main difference in hosting opera and classical music performances in more informal spaces, instead of opera or theatre houses?
GP: Opera has a stereotype of being stuffy and mainly for wealthy people. The truth is that opera can speak to anyone if they can be exposed to it. Singing in places like bars allows us to bring opera to people who might not otherwise hear it. With any luck, we'll interest new people in the art form who may then go to the opera house or concert hall to hear more. Of course, we also hope they will keep coming back to us. In addition, I have always said that we sound a lot better after the audience has had a few drinks!
More information on the organization and upcoming performances can be found on their website, https://www.operaontap.org/
