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We asked AI why opera is important

08 Feb 2023

With AI slowly becoming more a part of our day-to-day lives we were curious to ask the hugely popular phenomenon ChatGPT what it knows about opera and why is opera important.

AI is already embedded in how we search on the internet and it is becoming a useful tool for people who work with the written word, but how close can we trust what this robot writes for us? Let’s explore.

 

 

Why is opera important?

Opera is a unique and powerful art form that has been captivating audiences for centuries. Despite its reputation for being an elite and exclusive art form, opera is truly for everyone, and there are many reasons why people should come and see it.

One of the most compelling reasons to attend an opera is the sheer emotional power of the performances. The combination of music, singing, and acting creates an experience that is truly unmatched in any other art form. The stories told in operas are often universal, and the emotions expressed are raw and relatable. Whether it’s the heartbreak of unrequited love in “La Traviata” or the triumph of the human spirit in “Nabucco,” opera has the power to move us in ways that few other things can.

Opera is also a beautiful art form. From the ornate costumes and sets to the stunning voices of the performers, there is a lot to take in during an opera performance. The music itself is often breathtaking, with powerful arias and duets that showcase the incredible talents of the singers. And the combination of all these elements- music, singing, acting, costume, and stage design- creates an experience that is truly unforgettable.

Another reason why people should come and see opera is that it is a cultural experience. Opera is a form of storytelling that originated in Italy in the 16th century, and it has since been embraced by cultures around the world. With its roots in the Italian language, opera has been translated into many languages, and there are productions in many different countries, making it possible for people to experience this art form in their own language.

Finally, opera has a unique ability to bring people together. Whether you are attending an opera with friends, family, or a loved one, the shared experience of a performance can be incredibly bonding. Opera performances are often events that people look forward to, and the memories created during an opera performance can last a lifetime.

In conclusion, opera is an art form that is truly unique and powerful, and there are many reasons why people should come and see it. From the emotional power of the performances to the stunning beauty of the art form, opera is an experience that is not to be missed. And as opera is a cultural experience, it is a way to learn about different cultures and stories, it also has a unique ability to bring people together, making it an art form that is truly for everyone.

Why is new opera important?

New opera is important for a number of reasons.

Firstly, it keeps the art form of opera alive and relevant. Opera is a centuries-old art form, and new opera helps to ensure that it continues to evolve and adapt to the changing times. New operas often deal with contemporary themes and issues, which can make the art form more relatable and accessible to modern audiences. This can also help to attract new fans to the opera and keep the tradition of opera alive for future generations.

Secondly, new opera provides opportunities for new voices and perspectives to be heard. Many contemporary composers and librettists are women, people of color, or from other marginalized groups, who may not have had the same opportunities to create new operas in the past. By commissioning and producing new operas, companies and organizations can help to ensure that a diverse range of voices are represented in the opera world.

Thirdly, new opera can also help to support and promote new talent. Composers, librettists, singers, and other members of the opera community often have to work hard to establish themselves and gain recognition. New opera can provide opportunities for emerging artists to showcase their talents and develop their careers.

Finally, new opera can be exciting and innovative. As it represents a new perspective, new opera can offer a fresh take on the art form and can push the boundaries of what’s possible in opera. With new opera, we can explore new stories, new music styles, and new ways of telling stories.

In summary, new opera is important for keeping the art form alive and relevant, for providing opportunities for new voices and perspectives to be heard, for supporting and promoting new talent, and for being exciting and innovative.

Are operas written by Australians good?

Australian operas have been praised for their high quality and unique perspectives. Many Australian operas have been commissioned and performed by major opera companies both in Australia and internationally. Australian composers and librettists have been creating operas for decades, and have developed a reputation for producing works that are both innovative and of a high artistic standard.

One of the most notable Australian operas is “The Eighth Wonder,” which was written by composer Moya Henderson and librettist Patricia Sykes. This opera tells the story of the construction of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and was premiered by the Sydney Opera House in 1999. The opera received critical acclaim and has been performed several times since its premiere. (Editors note: this is an AI error, see below.) 

Another notable Australian opera is “Rites,” written by composer Peter Sculthorpe and librettist David Malouf. (Editors note: this is an AI error, see below.) This opera, which tells the story of the rituals of Indigenous Australians, premiered in 1975 and has been performed internationally, including at the Lincoln Center in New York.

Some other Australian operas include “Summer of the Seventeenth Doll” written by Richard Meale, “Batavia” written by Moya Henderson, “The Ghost Wife” written by Liza Lim, and “The Love of the Nightingale” written by Richard Mills. (Editors note: this is an AI error, see below.)

In conclusion, Australian operas are known for their high quality and unique perspectives. Many Australian composers and librettists have produced works that have been performed by major opera companies both in Australia and internationally, and have received critical acclaim. While not all Australian operas will be to everyone’s taste, they are generally considered to be of a high artistic standard.

Australian operas are important because…

Australian operas are important for a number of reasons.

Firstly, they help to showcase the unique cultural perspectives of Australia. Australian operas often deal with themes and issues that are specific to the Australian experience, such as the country’s history, its natural environment, and its diverse cultural heritage. This can help to provide a deeper understanding of Australia and its people, both for audiences within the country and for those outside of it.

Secondly, Australian operas provide opportunities for Australian artists to showcase their talents. Composers, librettists, singers, and other members of the opera community in Australia often have to work hard to establish themselves and gain recognition. By commissioning and producing Australian operas, companies and organizations can help to ensure that these artists have opportunities to showcase their work and develop their careers.

Thirdly, Australian operas can also help to promote the development of the opera industry in Australia. By producing new and original operas, companies and organizations can help to create a sustainable market for opera in Australia and help to ensure that the art form has a strong future in the country.

Finally, Australian operas can also help to promote cultural exchange and understanding between different countries and cultures. Many Australian operas have been performed internationally, and by showcasing the unique perspectives of Australia, they can help to foster greater understanding and appreciation of the country and its culture.

In summary, Australian operas are important for showcasing the unique cultural perspectives of Australia, providing opportunities for Australian artists, promoting the development of the opera industry in Australia, and promoting cultural exchange and understanding between different countries and cultures.

You might have noticed that some of these answers are incorrect.

Did you notice them?

One of the most notable Australian operas is “The Eighth Wonder,” which was written by composer Moya Henderson and librettist Patricia Sykes. This opera tells the story of the construction of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and was premiered by the Sydney Opera House in 1999. The opera received critical acclaim and has been performed several times since its premiere.

This work dates from 1995, and was composed by Alan John and with a libretto by Dennis Watkins.

Another notable Australian opera is “Rites,” written by composer Peter Sculthorpe and librettist David Malouf. This opera, which tells the story of the rituals of Indigenous Australians, premiered in 1975 and has been performed internationally, including at the Lincoln Center in New York.

Sorry robot, the opera by Peter Sculthorpe Rites is actually titled Rite of Passage and David Malouf did not write the libretto.

Some other Australian operas include “Summer of the Seventeenth Doll” written by Richard Meale, “Batavia” written by Moya Henderson, “The Ghost Wife” written by Liza Lim, and “The Love of the Nightingale” written by Richard Mills.

Wrong, wrong, wrong again – Summer of the Seventeenth Doll and Batavia are actually written by our beloved Artistic Director Richard Mills, and The Ghost Wife is by Jonathan Mills.

 

So, before robots take over the world, why not close your computer and turn off your phone and come and see an opera in real life.

By Evan Lawson.