By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

This past season, getting into the Grand Rapids Symphony’s film concerts was difficult. Snagging a ticket to Grand Rapids Civic Theatre’s “Mamma Mia!” was almost impossible. But perhaps the hottest ticket in town was to Opera Grand Rapids’ “La Traviata”

Yes, we said opera. The popularity of opera has been on the rise, and this may come as a surprise to many according to Opera Grand Rapids new executive director Emilee Syrewicze, among milliennals.

“As a millennial, I am not very surprised by that and here’s why,” Syerwicze said during a recent “Locally Entertaining” podcast. “We are seeing that with millennials, and whatever you may say about millennials, one thing that is true is that what was old is made new again with millennials. 

“They are bringing back mason jars instead of single use plastics. They are bringing back libraries instead of buying books…We are also seeing millennials more interested in the classic classical performing arts than the previous generation. We are actually seeing a high number of ticket buyers being millennial.”

There are other factors that play into the increase interest as well such as how it has become a trend to turn an opera attendance into a special event, complete with ballgowns and champagne after parties, something we have seen with the red carpet affairs at New York’s Metropolitan Opera House. 

Syrewicze said she also believes another key factor is the quality of productions that Opera Grand Rapids has been able to offer, largely in part due to the hiring of Artistic Director Maestro James Meena a couple of years ago. Meena actually works with three opera houses Toledo, Ohio; Charlotte, North Carolina; and Grand Rapids and often travels abroad to Italy and Europe.

“If you have been to a production in the past couple of years, you can see our quality is through the roof,” Syrewicze said. “You are going to see the same quality of opera at Opera Grand Rapids that you would see at much larger operas in Chicago and New York.”

With this reassurance, it has changed how Opera Grand Rapids handles its ticket sales. 

“We are planning our seasons further ahead then we ever really have before,” Syrewicze said, adding that the shows for the 2019-2020 season are Gilbert and Sullivan’s “The Mikado,” Nov. 1 and 2, and Puccini’s “Turnadot,” May 1 and 2. 

“We kind of expected ticket sales wouldn’t ramp up until [after ‘La Traviata’], but we are actually surprise, once again. We are already selling high numbers for ‘Mikado.’”

Syrewicze also noted that tickets for the May production of “Turnadot” have been selling as well with Syrewicze’s encouraging people to get their tickets soon. 

Whether or not you do snag tickets for the company’s two major productions, there are plenty of other offerings such as the Opera Grand Rapids’ diversity and inclusion performances, “Opera Unlimited” and the collegiate vocal competition. In fact, next spring, the Opera Grand Rapids chorus, made up of many talented Grand Rapids area residents, will be performing a selection of master works. 

Syrewicze said the company is working to finalize its full season with the goal to have something every month. For more details on the upcoming Opera Grand Rapids season, visit operagr.org.