In a recent interview with FIFA.com, Placido Domingo talks about how he's proud to be Spanish and how he finally realized his lifelong dream of seeing Team Spain win the World Cup. But the interesting thing about seeing the image of him in the locker room during the World Cup post-victory activity is that he is a part of two worlds many people don't understand - soccer and opera.

Photo: Plácido Domingo (far right) celebrates with Spain's World Cup champions after Sunday's match in Johannesburg, South Africa. Credit: @JeissonCastillo via Twitter

I have to admit that I am a soccer fan AND an opera fan (a unique breed), and during the World Cup, I found myself holding the same conversations that I have with people who don't understand opera. What's all the excitement? Why is it such a big deal? Or dispelling the same misconceptions for both: it's not boring, it's not slow, and it's not that long (not mentioning the Ring Cycle of course), etc.

Soccer and opera are similar in that they are misunderstood forms of entertainment in America, but thrive in Europe. Fans for both are some of the most passionate and devoted group of individuals you'll ever encounter. Talk to a soccer fan and they'll talk your ear off about their favorite team, and talk to an opera fan and they'll talk your ear off about their favorite opera. Both types of fans are also globe trotters. They will travel to see their favorite team in Johannesburg, South Africa or see a world premiere opera in Fort Worth, Texas. :)

SOUND OFF:
For me the 2010 World Cup seemed to end abruptly, similar to the comments I receive from patrons about the Fort Worth Opera Festival. People become excited about the event that it's hard to say goodbye – for the World Cup the wait is four years, and for our opera festival it's every year. But believe me, the wait really makes the World Cup or the opera festival that much sweeter.

These two forms of entertainment are an important part of many people's lives even if you don't understand it, but I challenge you to try. You never know, you may end up traveling to Brazil in 2014 to support your favorite soccer team during the World Cup, or even traveling to England for Götterdämmerung the final installment of the Ring Cycle at Opera North in 2014.

Am I alone or Are you an opera and sports fan?

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