Do you have to understand classical music and opera to enjoy them? My friends without musical training say no. They judge a performance by how it makes them feel, not whether they can analyze it. I’m not sure that works for me.
I once described myself to a music aficionado as “a musical illiterate.” I never had music lessons and didn’t grow up in a household that listened to music.
I can’t say that I dislike classical music, but I don’t really hear it so don’t get much from it. In contrast, I usually find folk, rock, and country music accessible, maybe because of simple melodies and meaningful lyrics.