Kaj Soellaart

Team opera or ballet?
“I’ve attended more opera performances, but I’d love to see more ballet. Whether I’ll be able to make a definitive choice afterwards remains a mystery to me.”

What was your first opera?
“The first opera I saw was Salome by Strauss. It was a special experience: it was during the COVID-19 pandemic, so it was a concert performance. But I was so intrigued that I’ve been attending regularly ever since.”

Who do you go to performances with?
“I always buy two tickets and then see who can join me. Each time, I take someone different. This way, I’ve been able to introduce various people to opera or ballet. Many young people in my circle feel there’s a barrier to attending opera; it has a somewhat stuffy image. That’s a shame because opera and ballet are beautiful!”

What do you love about opera?
“There are so many different ways to experience an opera. I love all those aspects: the music, the set, the costumes, the story, and the performance. Each time, something different can captivate you. It’s the overall experience that I truly enjoy.”

Traditional opera in a modern guise or an innovative, new production?
“I find both classical and modern productions interesting because they each convey something. Opera always has a historical component. Through the music and the story, you connect with the past, and the way it’s performed reflects something about the present. But I do have a slight preference for the classical.”