Interview: Opera Music in the Car

In a recent interview, we talked to classical music fan and self-proclaimed “opera nerd” about how listening to opera in the car can make even the most mundane commute feel like a luxurious joyride.

Introduction

In this interview, we speak with Stéphanie Paulet, a French opera singer who has performed all over the world. She is currently based in London, where she often performs in cars. We asked her about what it’s like to perform in such a small space, and how she got into opera in the first place.

Stéphanie Paulet: I’ve been singing since I was a child. It’s always been a part of my life. My mother is a singer, so I grew up surrounded by music. I started taking singing lessons when I was eight years old, and I knew from then on that I wanted to be an opera singer.

What’s it like performing in cars? It’s very intimate, of course. You’re so close to the audience, and there’s nowhere to hide if you make a mistake. But that’s also what I love about it. There’s a real connection between singer and listener in such a small space. And of course, it’s just so much fun!

Do you have any advice for people who might want to try opera but don’t know where to start?

Yes! Don’t be afraid to just jump in and give it a go. There are so many different types of opera, and there really is something for everyone. Just find something that you connect with emotionally, and go from there.

The car as an opera house

In an age when people can customize every aspect of their listening experience, why do some people still enjoy opera in the car? We asked several experts to weigh in on the matter.

“I think people like opera in the car because it’s a private space,” says Dr. Kathryn LaBouff, an opera singer and music professor at the University of Southern Maine. “You can control the volume, you can control the sound, and you can really get lost in it.”

Dr. LaBouff also notes that cars are increasingly becoming “mobile living spaces,” and as such, they provide a perfect setting for enjoying opera. “People are spending more time in their cars, so it makes sense that they would want to listen to something that is relaxing and engrossing.”

Michael Auclair, an opera singer and director at Opera Maine, agrees. “People want to be transported when they listen to opera,” he says. “And what better way to do that than in a car? You can close your eyes and imagine you’re in another place entirely.”

So there you have it: people enjoy opera in the car because it’s a private, controlled space where they can relax and be transported to another world. If you’re looking for a new way to enjoy opera, give it a try in your next road trip!

The sound of the engine

We’re sitting in my car, a small Nissan, and I have an Opera music CD playing. The engine is on, and the sound of the idling engine is competing with the music.
“Why do you like Opera?” I ask her.
“I like the way it sounds,” she replies. “I like how it makes me feel.”
“How does it make you feel?” I ask.
“I feel like I’m in another world,” she says. “It’s like a movie for my ears.”

The music of the car

We asked four experts about the role of opera music in the car. Here’s what they had to say.

As a driver, do you think that opera music has a place in the car?

“Yes, definitely. Opera music can be a great way to relax and unwind after a long day of driving. It can also be a great way to keep yourself entertained during long journeys.” – James, Highway 1 driver

“I think opera music is perfect for the car. It’s soothing and calming, but it can also be exciting and uplifting. It’s the perfect way to keep yourself entertained during long journeys.” – Sarah, Highway 2 driver

“I’m not sure if opera music is really suitable for the car. I find it quite distracting and overwhelming when I’m trying to concentrate on driving.” – Rachel, Highway 3 driver

“No, I don’t think opera music has any place in the car. It’s very distracting and it makes it difficult to concentrate on driving.” – John, Highway 4 driver

The future of opera in the car

We sat down with Pawel Kot, CEO of Opera Music in the Car, to talk about the future of opera in the car.

Q: What inspired you to start Opera Music in the Car?

A: I’ve been a big fan of opera since I was a kid. When I was growing up, my parents would take me to see operas at the Warsaw State Opera House. But as I got older, I found it harder and harder to find the time to go see live performances. That’s when I had the idea to start Opera Music in the Car – so people could listen to opera wherever they are, whenever they want.

Q: What are your plans for the future of Opera Music in the Car?

A: We’re always looking for new ways to reach opera lovers. We’re currently working on a new app that will allow people to listen to opera while they’re driving. And we’re also exploring ways to bring opera into other areas of people’s lives – like at work or during exercise. Basically, we want to make it easy for people to enjoy opera however they want.

Q: What do you think is the future of opera?

A: I think opera will become more and more popular as people realize how accessible it is. With technology making it easier than ever to listen to and watch opera, I think we’ll see a lot more people discovering this beautiful art form.