Mozart For The Masses

"It's a play about classical music that everybody can enjoy."

I know, I know - it sounds like a pitch. But here's the thing - Opus really does have something for everyone. Being that my education in classical music comes mostly from old Merrie Melodies cartoons, you'd be hard pressed to find someone who knows less about classical music than me, and I loved this show. I loved it for the sharp writing. I loved it for the terrific performances. I loved the stellar treatment of a story about five brilliant, passionate people making incredible art together.

So yes, Opus is in large part about classical music. And yes, that's intimidating to plenty of folks, yours truly included, who have spent most of their lives feeling like classical music is best left to folks in in tuxedos and monocles and such. But it's not, and even the White House says so.

On Wednesday, the President and First Lady hosted an evening of classical music for everyone in the East Room of the White House, with an emphasis on bringing classical music off of its pedestal and into the homes of everyone who would really enjoy it if they ever thought to try it. In hosting a discussion with aspiring music students followed by a great concert from performers of a variety of ages and backgrounds, the Obamas made an effort to show that today's classical music need not be ivory tower territory. The evening drove home the fact that you don't need a trained ear to appreciate classical music - just an open mind. You can read more about the event in this great article from the Washington Post.

So at this point, you've got two choices. You can keep being afraid of classical music - or you can decide that you can enjoy any number of things, and get an introduction to classical music while seeing a great play in the bargain.

What are you going to do?