I was a pretty early opera goer, too. I did see Mastersingers once when Scottish Opera did it, years ago. High point in my opera viewing years was probably seeing Cunning Little Vixen. Low point Cosi fan Tutte. Or some Rossini opera which I can't remember anything about whatsoever, except that there was a stunning French horn solo slap bang in the middle of it. I woke up for that.

I'm much more of an orchestral person. Though I do like some of the BIG choral works!!