Opera Kid

I'm nine years old. I'm the only kid I know who likes opera.

The first time I heard opera was when my dad put a bit of Puccini's "Madame Butterfly" on my iPod. I liked it as soon as I started listening to it. The second opera I heard -- the first I saw -- was Puccini's "La Fanchula del West." Then I saw four other operas, including Wagner's "Die Walkure." Now I'm waiting to see "Seigfried" at the Met.

When I saw "Die Walkure," the guy who took our tickets said that there was another kid there too. When I got inside, I realized that that "kid" was 18 or 19.

Opera houses aren't made for children. When I went to "Dido and Anneas" and "La Vida Breve" the seats were too low for me. I had to sit on my knees for two whole hours.

Every time I meet a new kid I ask, "What do you think of opera?" or "Do you like opera?" The answer is always a negative.

Most kids think of operas as long, boring plays that are in some language they don't know. Other kids think of operas as good chances to get some sleep. Still other kids think of operas as both. And then there are kids like me; kids who like opera, kids who understand the plot.

A lot of kids misunderstand opera. Once I told a friend the plot of "Die Walkure." I knew it was the kind of thing he might enjoy. As soon as I told him it was an opera, he stopped listening and tried to change the subject. That's what has happened with everyone else.

There are so many reasons why I like opera: the complex plots, the amazing music, the interesting characters, the battle scenes and just the stories themselves. I really don't understand why other kids don't like it. What idiot came up with the idea that operas were boring for children?

It doesn't matter to me, I like what I like. But some day, I hope to meet another kid who has the same feelings about opera as me.

With a Perspective, I'm Aiden Sagerman.