ArtsPRunlimited, Inc on the Opera in 1622-2022.
Sharing my published comments and others on the Arts, opera, and ticket prices in a slightly edited version to stay on topic.
Inside the Met Opera auditorium
Now your turn!
Great works and great singers still sell tickets. Euro-trash pop aka Las Vegas, Coney Island versions of Verdi or Mozart do not. They distort, undermine and camouflage the actual works. They do not reveal them as greater than ourselves only as trash in the opera house.
Two things are partially responsible for this. There is a general lack of music education in schools, along with changing musical tastes among younger audiences, which fosters an ever smaller market to draw from. Opera also suffers somewhat from an “elite image problem.” That was perhaps my own perception of it growing up. It was something “rich folks” attended. The cost of tickets, which can be very expensive for good seats in the house contributes to this.
Opera is an acquired experience that takes preparation---reading or knowing the libretto or story beforehand; hearing some or all of the music just as preparation. Reading about the composer, country or context. People spend alot of money on nonsense; opera can repay them over their lifetimes and nourish and inform their spirit and psyche.
Grazie.
The “elite image problem” is real and could become worse. In the USA fewer and fewer of the younger generation grow up with occasions in their lives that require them to dress and stand on ceremony. As was mentioned at the start, the Arts aren’t taught in general schools. I’m often surprised at how little some in my own age group (generation X) know about the Arts…even very basic things. They therefore see Opera as something for the “other”.
Is "Hamilton" an opera? If not, why not?
No---too thin.
OK I am trolling a little bit but I also have a genuine question. I get that "musicals" and "opera" are considered to be two different things, but at a high level they have the same elements. And yet these days musicals (at least the most successful ones) are far more popular. Why?
Daniel P Quinn?Liked by Opera Daily
OPERA was popular music for many people in Italy, France, Germany and the USA. WOR Radio pulled the plug on Met Radio broadcasts after 30 years---about 20 years ago, and lost a substantial listening public. BTW I cried through Rodgers/Hammerstein CAROUSEL at Lincoln Center for the Second Act---so some Musicals do resonate over time too.
Kevin for what it's worth - I think Hamilton got closer to the "traditional" definition of opera than others had - to me it feels more of a perception/style issue (because we call operas written within the last few years "operas")
The nomenclature "Opera" is in vogue these days---saw part of the Aucoin ORFEO as a new PBS Opera from The Met---but it was awful, stupid and silly.
????
An experience that I once had - opened my eyes to Opera. One cold winter morning as I arrived for work in London at Cannon Street Station, not many people around, but as the train pulled in and stopped - people got out of the carriages and were walking along the platform to exit the station, there was suddenly music and an opera singer started to sing O Mio Bambino - they were collecting for Charity. It was magical, the acoustics in the station echoed throughout, the singing made everyone stop and listen and smile and nod and appreciate and donate of course. It wasn't complicated, it wasn't heavy, it was beautiful and moving and I have never ever forgotten it and how it made me feel.
Precisely---it is also mystical and profound for all of us.
I was a backstage worker at the Houston Opera (a friend had an uncle who was the head costumer so we were both wardrobe assistants) when I was just beginning my career. Sadly at the time I had no appreciation for it.
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I respectfully disagree. I travel a lot on business, and the fact that I have been able to access Opera through apps on my iPhone and laptop is what has finally allowed me to spend more time exploring and learning consistently. The world of Fine Arts has to embrace “appropriate” technology to survive. Otherwise, say goodbye to the younger generation.
My comment was in reference to technology that is sometimes used in person at the performance - I have seen some odd things some houses have tried that have felt really forced.
I am all for being able to access it remotely/online - agree with you! Think that is critical!
I haven’t been to a recent performance, but I imagine that what you’re describing would be distracting and awkward. Thanks for the clarification!
2years of Covid had not helped. We love opera particularly Puccini. We haven’t watched much opera on tv because the staging is so very boring. Opera we saw at the Royal Albert Hall was simply amazing. The staging was so innovative. Madame Butterfly for example. In the round with the floor flooded and planted like a Japanese garden. Beautiful ! Contrast that with Royal Opera House. Dull and flat.
The Met PBS free broadcasts of Donizetti's MARIA STUARDA DeDonato and La Fille du Regiment w/Pretty Yende; LA CENERENTOLLA w/Joyce DiDonato are thrilling. DIALOGUES OF THE CARMELITES as well too with Yannick Nezet-Segun as conductor. Filmed before Covid-19 are ALL worth watching more than once. You would all thank me for the tip.
Actually down to the bone-marrow works best in Opera and singers to thrill the public.
Laura Allison,?Opera Daily
I cannot speak for others, but the total cost--not just the ticket (which I don't mind) has made going to the opera completely unaffordable. I used to get season tickets when I lived in Dallas, TX. Now, that I live North of Boston, MA the transportation and parking costs are triple the cost of good seats. I miss not going terribly.
I grew up with my Mom listening to Texaco Opera on Saturdays, every Saturday the Met broadcasted she never missed her special time. Through the sound around me I acquired a taste for opera in my early teens. I believe it’s through music education one learns and appreciates opera. In addition, the surprise performances today by singers in shoppers malls or large outdoor venues attracts the general public and can only add to wanting to learn more.
I am still new to opera but I had a friend who educated me to the delights of opera, I think that it is a lack of education at an early age. The elitist and the cost is also a problem although having said that the general cost of going to the theatre now is sadly catching up, thank goodness for excellent provincial theatres that can keep their prices low to encourage people back to the theatre, and continue bringing arts to the theatre so that we can all enjoy them and not just musicals. What really annoys me is opera singers who think they can cross over some can but a lot can't the same for our West end musical stars who think they can sing opera they can't. Please stick to your own kind. It doesn't make opera popular. Sorry rant over.
Welcome to Opera in Century 21-----400 years of tradition and to learn more about.
The NJSymphony has prices from $20 and up at NJPAC; I subscribe to 5 concerts-so there is this option too.
Celebrating Opera with Marilyn Horne and Maria Callas too.