Light Minds Think Alike : opera

NYC Opera Revisited

dlincecum — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 13:58:00 GMT

The New York Times online recently reported that the City Opera is parting ways with its new "emprasario." I first reported on the attempt to do a makeover of sorts on a post here earlier this year. When I reported earlier this year about the Operas risk of bringing in a new director known for shaking things up and producing a season of 20th century operas, I felt enthusiastic about the movement. Now the latest report appears to indicate some of the effect of the current recession enveloping the world.

Seems that Mortier is leaving because the opera could not come up with the 66 million dollar production budget promised to him to produce the new season. The article even mentions that that number was in his contract! (note to self, get promises in writing!)

Evidently the $36 million budget they were offering was unnacceptable because, “I cannot go to run a company that has less than the smallest company in France.” Mortier had suggested running a deficit to "show potential new donors what the company could do."

I have been watching for signs of how the economy will impact the arts and this is one of the first I have seen. Fortunately, the article states they will go forward with the renovation of their facility!

We've all been watching to see how this recession will affect the arts and clearly there are signs that it will. It's interesting to me that Operas survive to some extent on the grandeur of their productions. The article even mentions that this kills the possibility of a rivalry with the Metropolitan Opera. Mortier also states that if one season could be produced it woulld galvanize the fund raising. I guess it is all about "big and bold." Should be interesting to watch these scenarios play out.

In true Operatic form Mortiers last comment in the article relates to looking for a new job - but worrying that now that he is 65, "perhaps nobody wants me." The fat lady sang.

David

An Opera follow up

dlincecum — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 09:56:00 GMT

In a few posts I have pondered what is happening to the arts in "this day and age." I do wonder about these things - but I don't lose much sleep over them.

When I posted about the NYC opera deciding to take a year off and then do a season of all modern operas I was left thinking alot about opera and where it would end up this century. Then I read a remarkable story in the WSJ telling me that I could go and see Opera at a local movie theatre around the country!

I have to admit I was suprised. I also started to think along the lines of David North in his post on an evening with Rush. Was this what opera was coming to? But considering it more carefully I think this sort of thing might be pure genius. This is the kind of evolution that I imagine will need to happen in all live theatre forms. How can we preserve the art and move it forward to a wider audience simultaneously.

I think I was most interested in the idea that this was a simulcast and not a canned film shoot. The idea that I could experience the opera - as it was performed in real-time - but in a place I could be actually sounds rather inviting. I also liked the idea that the intermissions were filled with impromptu backstage interviews with staff. I love the idea of an interview with a designer or stage manager while watching the sets shift.

And I would be lying if I didn't say that the idea of popcorn and milk duds actually makes opera sound a little better to me. Read the article and see what you think.

The Opera risk

dlincecum — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 13:20:00 GMT

Terry Teachout wrote a piece in the Wall Street Journal about the New York City Opera taking the big risk - a year off with practically no performances while their home - the State Theatre is renovated. Not only are they taking this year off - but the schedule in 2009 will include six 20th century operas! The season includes Einstein on the Beach! I haven't seen a live performance but have watched a film study of the opera which was extraordinary.

It made me think about the changes taking place in the Opera-going public. I have never enjoyed Opera even though I have seen a few. I wonder how the art form will hold up as the boomers retire and a new audience moves in? I guess I am relating this to my post on the changes in the High School musical choices these days. It occurred to me that these types of changes will be occurring throughout the entire spectrum of the arts. I guess we are seeing the very traditional forms begin to alter themselves just as we see music and film move - although the latter moves much more quickly.

We've seen a shift in the local Madison community with some theatre groups struggling to stay afloat. Some say it is the expense of operating in the new arts center here in Madison - or competition with broadway tours coming into the same facility. Some might argue that the play choices and production quality have not been up to par. I wonder what the real deal is?

I'm curious if you all in the biz - still producing shows - have begun to study this change in audience makeup and preferences? WHat will your theatres do about this? As one who relishes good market research - I'd love to hear your thoughts.

David