Many people think that opera is a very elite form of entertainment that only certain people can acquire a taste for.   On the contrary, opera is an art form that deals with basic human emotions and events that everyone can relate to and enjoy.  Listed below are several common misconceptions about opera that keep people from experiencing its thrilling and addicting nature.

"Operas are always sung in Italian, French or German so I won't understand what they are singing."

False. With running English super titles projected on a screen above the stage, you won't miss a word of what those glorious voices are singing. And believe it or not, sometimes operas are sung in English, but you can still rely on the super titles to guide you along in case you miss a word.

"I can't afford to go to the opera. Opera is for rich people!"

False. If you can afford other forms of live entertainment, you can afford opera. Virginia Opera ticket prices start at only $25, and students get an even better deal at only $15.

"Opera is for old people. I won't be able to relate to what's going on."

False. Opera is for everyone! Characters of all ages are present in many operas, and many of today's operas are set to more recent historical events or modern times. In addition, they're chock-full of all the same things that keep you glued to your television - love, sex, jealously, violence, suspense, drama, etc. Add the most breathtaking music ever written, the most glorious live voices known to man and a 50-instrument symphony orchestra, and HBO can't compete with this magnitude of entertainment!

Even college students are even catching the opera bug! “I would not be in college at all if not for your program. I have chosen to be a Music Ed major because of what I’ve seen you do," said John, a college student in Northern Virginia.

"I don't know anything about opera music."

False. Chances are if you've ever watched cartoons, listened to the radio or watched TV commercials, you're familiar with opera. As a matter of fact, if you were to see an opera, you may be surprised to recognize one, if not more, of the melodies you hear. But don't take our word for it – just check out a performance of Tales of Hoffmann, Pirates of Penzance, Eugene Onegin, or Lucia di Lammermoor.

"Opera is for snobs!"

False. As with any group of art lovers, there are those who can seem intimidating due to the knowledge they posses regarding their favored art form, and the great interest they take in it. However, the truth of the matter is that opera wasn't written to provide entertainment to the "social elite." The greatest opera composers wrote their shows as entertainment for the masses, long before movie theatres were ever dreamed up. Opera is for everyone!