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With over 135 opera companies alive and well in the United States, more and more people are rediscovering this classic music genre, or discovering it for the very first time. Many of these opera companies are moving away from the old perceptions of attending an opera, making it more casual and accessible for a new generation of music lovers.

And yet, there are certain accessories that will increase your overall enjoyment of an opera. No, not fashion accessories, even though dressing to the nines is still encouraged when attending at certain locales. The accessory we speak of is opera glasses, a useful accompaniment to help you truly enjoy the performance.

Opera Glasses: What Are They?

You’ve probably seen them in old time movies. Opera glasses are essentially a magnifying device, similar to binoculars but with distinct differences. Designed for indoor performances, they allow those in the far reaches of the venue a virtual front row seat.

Most opera glasses are designed to be quite small, almost small enough to fit in the palm of one’s hand. This is intentional, as users can follow the performance without distracting other attendees. Available in a wide variety of styles and price, an inexpensive pair of opera glasses will typically run $40 to $50 dollars.

Opera glasses are a magnifying device that help opera viewers focus on objects onstage from distant points in an opera hall. They are built to be small and functional, while many are designed for fashion as well. Some opera enthusiasts use opera glasses regularly, while others find them unnecessary.

In a way, opera glasses are like binoculars, but are specifically designed for viewing indoor performances. In larger opera venues, viewers toward the back or in balconies can be a substanial distance from the stage. As much of enjoying opera involves following the story as it is performed, not being able to see can be a big problem. Opera glasses help operagoers see the action stage from locations far from the stage.

The Differences Between Opera Glasses And Binoculars

An occasional opera attendee probably need not make the investment in these glasses. Small binoculars might suffice just as well, but be aware of subtle differences between the two. First, opera glasses have specifically designed optics to enhance indoor viewing. Second, they are designed to allow the user more horizontal viewing, an important consideration when following a performance on a wide stage. While most people have used binoculars at some point in their life, opera glasses are more rare. Probably the best approach is to rent a pair at the performance venue and use your own judgement.

Another difference is that some styles come with a handle. This allows the user to hold the glasses steady with one hand. In addition, almost all styles are smaller than binoculars. This is a convenience issue, as opera glasses easily fit in a shirt or jacket pocket or the smallest of purses.

The biggest advantage of opera glasses is their single focus feature. Unlike binoculars, which have a rotating focus knob, these glasses have a single center focus. This allows the user to flip the glasses open, set the focus once, and enjoy the performance.

Different Uses For Opera Glasses

If you find opera glasses to your liking, their use is virtually unlimited for any indoor performance. You’ll see them frequently at live theater, dance recitals, and ballet. They are also useful for concerts, where the wider viewing capabilities allow view of the entire stage at once.

It’s Your Choice

In summary, the purchase and/or use of opera glasses is a personal preference. Many find the investment worthwhile, especially frequent attendees of indoor performances. Others may not notice the difference, or may have seats close enough to the stage where optical enhancement isn’t needed.

If you do find a need, you’ll be happy to know that opera glasses come in a wide variety of style and price range. You may even find a pair to perfectly match your snazziest evening wear!

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