Taylor Swift and Opera: The Art of Telling Stories Through Song
We've also got the scoop on Vancouver Opera's number one Swiftie...
Taylor Swift and opera might seem like an unlikely pair—one is rooted in the grandeur of European tradition, while the other dominates today’s global pop charts. But look closer, and you'll find a shared love for storytelling, emotion, and drama that bridges the gap between them. Whether it's Taylor’s poignant lyrics or an aria’s soaring melody, both forms move us in ways that feel timeless.
Here at Vancouver Opera, Taylor Swift comes up in conversation more often than you’d think, thanks to Tracey Flattes, our beloved Box Office Supervisor and Vancouver Opera’s number one Swiftie - who, like everyone else in Vancouver, is trying to score tickets to one of this weekend’s concerts.
If you’ve communicated with the box office, you’ve likely heard Tracey’s excitement about Taylor’s music—and her dreams of finally scoring tickets to the Eras Tour.
“I’d trade my favourite opera seat for Taylor Swift tickets in a heartbeat!” Tracey confessed recently. “But if I can’t see Taylor, at least I can soak up the drama and beauty of opera—it’s the next best thing.”
Tracey’s passion for both opera and Taylor Swift got us thinking: what makes them so alike? Let’s dive into the connections and, along the way, explore some perfect pairings of opera and Taylor’s music.
Family Roots in Opera
Taylor Swift’s connection to opera isn’t just metaphorical; it’s literal. Her grandmother, Marjorie Finlay, was an opera singer and television personality who performed in concerts and hosted a music program in Puerto Rico. Taylor’s song Marjorie from the Evermore album is a touching tribute to her grandmother, blending personal lyrics with a haunting, operatic melody:
“Never be so kind, you forget to be clever / Never be so clever, you forget to be kind.”
The song feels like it belongs on an opera stage, where family legacies and intergenerational love often take center stage. Tracey reflected on this:
“When you listen to Marjorie, you can feel Taylor drawing from her grandmother’s artistry. It’s like her own aria of remembrance.”
Operatic Themes in Taylor’s Lyrics
Both opera and Taylor Swift’s music excel at exploring universal themes of love, betrayal, and resilience. Think of Swift’s All Too Well (10-Minute Version)—a heartbreak epic that could rival any operatic lament. Lines like:
“Maybe we got lost in translation, maybe I asked for too much.”
could easily be sung by a Puccini heroine like Mimi (La Bohème)
or Cio-Cio-San (Madama Butterfly). If you’re looking for high drama, operatic or not, this is it.
The Drama of It All
Taylor’s music and operas both embrace grand gestures and theatrical flair. Her Reputation album channels the kind of unapologetic drama you’d find in Verdi’s Macbeth or Mozart’s Don Giovanni. And her Eras Tour feels like a fully staged opera, complete with multiple “acts,” costume changes, and an emotionally rich setlist that tells a story.
“Every Taylor Swift concert feels like a modern-day opera,” Tracey said. “The big themes, the emotional build, the spectacular staging—it’s everything we love about opera, just with a pop twist.”
Can’t Get Taylor Tickets? Get Opera Tickets!
As much as Tracey dreams of seeing Taylor Swift live, she knows it’s not easy to get those coveted tickets. That’s where Vancouver Opera comes in! If you’re craving powerful stories and incredible music, there’s nothing like experiencing opera live.
From the heartbreaking drama of Flight to the soaring drama of Madama Butterfly, our upcoming season offers something for everyone—including Swifties looking to expand their musical horizons.
“If you love the storytelling in Taylor Swift’s music, you’ll love opera—it’s like discovering the original ‘eras,’” Tracey said.
Grounded Dreams
There’s a special kind of magic in stories about waiting—particularly when they’re set in places meant only for passing through.
Taylor Swift x Opera: A Perfect Pairing
Whether you’re a die-hard Swiftie or a lifelong opera fan, there’s a lot to love about the way these two worlds collide. So why not enjoy both?
Tracey sums it up best:
“If Taylor Swift taught me anything, it’s to love deeply and passionately—and that’s exactly what opera is all about.”
Opera tickets are available now—don’t miss your chance to experience the drama live! Visit vancouveropera.ca to find your seat today. And if you see Tracey at the box office, be sure to say hello—and maybe share any leads you have on Taylor Swift tickets. She’s still hoping!