This is the moment in an opera where a lead character shows off his or her vocal chops. While it may serve to dramatically enhance the storyline, it’s really for the singer to milk the applause for all it’s worth. Any opera “hit” you’re familiar with is usually an aria, often lifted from an opera and presented in a symphony concert or a concert featuring several singers, each performing arias from various operas. They’re often filled with exciting high notes and the audience goes berserk afterwards.