I've never been to a performance of an actual opera, but I have attended several performances of arias and ensembles from various operas. Three weeks ago (I think--can't really remember that far back) I saw the winners of the Seattle Young Artists competition perform. ("Young" here is what I consider to be a relative term--it means, essentially, under 30.) I've heard both good and bad singers, but that performance was of the sort to restore my faith in opera (if I was ever in danger of loosing it). Their voices were strong but not overpowering, the vibrato was downplayed, and nobody was shrieking. Overall, it was immensely pleasing, and if I remembered any of their names, I would reccomend that you watch the opera headlines for their names in the future.