I am not a big fan of opera. The music yes, absolutely yes... but the vocals grate on me.
Take note: No need for you to defend them to me, if you feel the need - because I fully understand and recognize their talent. There are things in the world I just don't 'get' even though I do appreciate.... like math, I'm lousy at math, at least advanced math, but I fully see it's beauty even if vicariously.
So my not liking Opera vocals, (a few, very few, exceptions), I consider 100% my failing. And yes, I'm somewhat ashamed of that.
And that said: I can't imagine many events I'd rather to see at least once in my lifetime than an opera performance at La Scala in Milan, Italy. Or for that matter several of the worlds opera venues. - JamesJM