This week I’m following along with the Opera America Conference virtually through the live streaming they make available. One subject of conversation was using the concept of festivals to create interest and excitement. They presented examples of jazz and comedy festivals. What would a great opera festival be like? We need some serious brainstorming!

First of all, many places have “opera festivals”. Some are in wildly remote locations; some call it a festival because they are having 3-4 different operas being performed within a couple days of each other so you can get 3-4 in on a weekend or short trip. Great right? The more opera the better – goes without saying.

But let’s REALLY have a festival… I’m not picturing a remote location – but maybe that can be YOUR brainstorming!

This is on the lawn or street in front of the opera house and great – there’s opera going on in there- a neat mix of new and classic pieces- maybe there’s even a theme. But what else do ya need for a festival?

• 1. FOOD – Dinner is always a challenge either pre or post opera performance but what if the food was right there at the opera house? We have some pretty darn posh opera level food trucks here in Rochester and plenty of vendors that would be interested. Picnicking is traditionally popular at opera festivals too, but not everyone wants to do all the work of picnic packing.
  
  Details matter. Have some nice little café tables and chairs. Opera goers don’t mind picnicking or paper plates but they don’t want to spill food all over themselves.
  
  AND we keep some food there for intermission and afterwards- some people want to eat later. Also we just might want something sweet afterwards- like yum - opera cake, Italian cookies or champagne and strawberries! Leading me to...
• 2. Drink- obviously a little wine tasting won’t go amiss here and there had better darn well be champagne or other fizz. And how about some good quality coffee and tea -to go with that opera cake – ya know?
• 3. Atmosphere- Strolling opera troubadours. People will come who aren’t going into the show, they may be opera newbies just there for a general taste of the atmosphere, or people who can’t afford opera tickets- YET. Bring opera out of the opera house with a sort of continuing opera flashmob. OK, we aren’t going to throw Lucia’s mad scene or some rare Ukrainian piece at this crowd. Stick to the opera “hit songs”, cross over pieces and throw in some familiar musical theater pieces.
• 4. Family- lots of people don’t come to the opera because of costs, needing baby sitter, they need to learn more about it, etc. Get kids involved with music and crafts. Have costumed characters telling opera stories, etc . How about that balloon guy making opera things like crowns and swords. I know just about anyone can think of more kids ideas than me and I can still think of a lot.
• 5. Weather- Look, it's possible it will rain. It’s probable it will rain. Get some nice big tents on standby.
• 6.Retail baby! You need someone selling Opera Bracelets for example … and lots of lovely artistic things… pretty art umbrellas, tote bags, T-shirts…walk through any local arts fest and you will have a lot of ideas for appropriate vendors. Oh yeah- those people that flatten the bottles – love that!
• 7.Socialize- Opera is intense – that’s why we love it! Sometimes after a great opera experience you are on a bit of a high. Or sometimes you are kind of stunned and emotional. It just feels wrong to just jump in your car and drive home- besides if everyone does that there will be a traffic jam. Relax- have a coffee, cookie and chat with those you came with or complete strangers. Make this a night you will remember.

Remember the moment!