charliehall, I have to say that I am very surprised to hear that for a number of reasons. I have seen many operas, and I worked for an opera company for many years after (secular) college. Did the Rav take into consideration the subject matter of the opera? Many opera plots glorify situations and relationships that are just not kosher by any standard. I didn’t start caring about that until the BT bug set in.
I have seen Nabucco, but Turandot is actually my favorite opera. Talk about a shidduch crisis, LOL. Rigoletto is another I always have loved the music to, but if my kids were to ask for the English translation of the Italian, there’s no way I would tell them!
To be honest, I am shocked that YU has been having opera fundraisers. I am female so kol isha isn’t an issue, but I am just sensitive, I guess.
Oomis, I agree on Wagner. Some people can separate the man from his music, but I can’t.