backstage@theopera: The TDO Newsletter

August 9, 2012

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Opera When It Sizzles

by Suzanne Calvin

During these so-called “Dog Days of Summer,” when the temperature soars to triple digit heights of discomfort, it’s a good time to remember that American Opera had its origins in tropical places like Havana and New Orleans, as well as in the cooler climate of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states. Both cities were essentially Catholic and profoundly musical, both sat at the crossroads of diverse populations and cultural influences and – like the very early American Opera capitals in Mexico and Peru, where the first operas in the Americas were composed and performed more than 300 years ago – both communities saw opera as an integral part of the civic fabric.

Read more on our blog >


Megan’s Musings

Vol. 11: Jack and the Beanstalk Cast II

moderated by Megan Meister

This month, I am sitting down with Lauren Smith (Jack), Laura Begley (Mother/Wife) and Christian Teague (Giant/Trouble). They are performing in our TDOpage2stage production of John Davies' childrens' opera, Jack and the Beanstalk. Our first public performance is on Saturday, October 27th.

Listen on our blog >


Pursuits of Passion Subscriptions

Buy One, Get One 50% Off!

This month, buy season tickets to The Dallas Opera in the Orchestra Terrace for either the Opening Night or Wednesday Night series, and get the second seat 50% off! Use promo code Summer50 when you buy today.

Subscriptions start at just $75, and TDO offers 2-month interest-FREE payment plans!

The 2012–2013 Season features Verdi’s Aida, Puccini’s Turandot, and Argento’s The Aspern Papers, and our seating map is here.

Offer valid only through 8/31/2012. New orders only. Cannot be combined with any other offer.


From the Desk of keith cerny

Maximizing The Dallas Opera's Community Footprint

by TDO General Director and CEO Keith Cerny

I returned a few weeks ago to Dallas from Philadelphia, where I had been attending the Opera America Board meeting and annual conference. Having been to a number of these conferences over the years, I would describe the mood of my fellow opera leaders as more somber than usual.

It is quite clear that the lingering economic recession, limited stock market growth over the past decade, and profound changes in how audiences are spending their entertainment dollar are weighing heavily on many opera companies across the United States.

In one panel discussion, a number of companies presented their strategies for how they are doing more with fewer resources, and an important new concept emerged. Several of us spoke about the need to maximize our "community footprint"—a term that captures not just the opera's mainstage and chamber opera performances, but the company's total impact on the community. I believe that this measure is extremely important and will become more so, over time.

Read more at TheaterJones >


Quote of the Week

“Music is a more potent instrument than any other for education, because rhythm and harmony find their way into the inward places of the soul.”

Plato


Kids Quote

“All children are artists. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.”

Pablo Picasso


You Write the Caption

Put your spin on this production pic from Tristan und Isolde!

Photo by Karen Almond

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Facebook Question of the Week

What is your favorite Italian opera?

Oh easy! Simon Boccanegra!

I can't pick between Tosca and Traviata...

Have to go with Otello! Mostly because I will never be able to get over the characterization of Iago within the music, absolutely brilliant.

How can you choose? La Boheme, Tosca, Turandot, Rigoletto, Il trovatore!

Join the fun on our Facebook page! >

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