What is opera? The answer is very simple - it is a play where the dialogues are not spoken but sung and the singers are the actors. Actually, the idea of singing dialogues might sound somewhat strange but, if you give it a second thought, it is not much different from Bollywood movies! But how do we learn to appreciate an opera? It is mainly in a language we do not understand - Italian, French, German or Russian. So the first thing before listening to an opera is to go onto the net and read the synopsis of the play and the explanations to the different characters. With this preparation done, it will be easier for you to understand the different parts being sung and also follow the story. Moreover, music is a universal language and an alien tongue need not prevent you from being moved by the music and the emotion of an opera. Unfortunately, there are very few opportunities to listen to live opera in India but the internet offers a wonderful alternative.