ATXclassical : Austin is about to get inundated with opera in unexpected places.
This September and October will see the launch of the Austin Lyric Opera’s The Pagliacci Project, and a new opera company in town, One Ounce Opera, is making waves.
Officially launched just last month, One Ounce Opera describes itself as Austin’s first operatic ensemble “dedicated to unique shows in unexpected locations.”
8 comments:
I wish I could go to Austin to see one of these performances! Both of these projects seem like exciting ways to get opera to a variety of audiences who either couldn't (financially) or wouldn't go to see a traditional operatic production. I hope that these projects will make opera more accessible to young people, because opera can be amazing but kids are somehow taught that it is long and boring. These projects seem to have set out to prove that that's not true. I love that the ALO is establishing a strong, potentially lasting relationship with the Butler School of Music. ALO Artistic Director Richard Buckley is exactly right when he says that it's a win-win situation for both: the ALO gets some very talented performers at a lesser cost, and the students get some incredible professional and performance experience that they wouldn't get otherwise. I appreciate that the students are earning credit for doing this work instead of going without compensation at all. While the ALO is providing them with a wonderful learning experience, the students are going to be putting in quite a lot of work for the ALO's sake and deserve to be compensated in some way.
This company sounds amazing. As someone who loves opera to death, I think that this is a brilliant way to reach out to new audiences. I like the idea of all the power and the passion that comes from opera being able to be found anywhere and for anyone. 'There is no escape from the crowd'...'No set to hide behind, no elaborate costume or makeup – just you and your ideas.' That is one great core belief that should be prevalent in theatre. Even though I am a technical director I like the idea of opera being very sparse and all about the music. That is a great way to approach it and get through to audiences who might otherwise not be inclined to give opera a chance.
I think this is a great way to break away from the common thoughts on option being an "elitist" thing. Opera always has that idea that you must get dressed up to go see and something very expensive. Also using a smaller space would give an entirely different feel to the performance. Costuming is something that is clearly being explored with the image attached and gives even more dimenson to the new style. I also find it interesting that UT is able to partner with them and the students are getting credit for it. I would love to be able to engage in a new type of theatre/opera and get credit for it truly the best of both worlds.
Both of these projects seem really amazing in theory. I feel that to most younger people in America today, opera is stuffy and outdated. Anything that will help give people a new perspective on it is a great plan in my book. When the singer is a hundred feet or so away from you onstage, it may be rather boring and disconnected. With opera up in people's faces, it'll be hard for them not to feel the emotion and passion in the performances (assuming they are well sung). I appreciate the drive to redefine the public's perception of what opera is.
Austin seems to be one of those cities that has a population that really supports the arts which is a rarity these days. I love that a new opera company is opening with such a different and nontraditional model. Opera and theatre at this point are becoming diversions of the rich and elite and if this company can bring it to unexpected locations and audiences I hope they can succeed in an economy where many opera companies are cutting back or closing down.
This Opera company reminds me much like Squonk Opera. Both seem to give of a more common approach to Opera. I think that bring Opera to other people in the area is a huge part of creating art and involving people it would not typical go. However I do believe that is new away of approaching this art form could spring off and become a new art form. Where as the birth of Theatre of Cruelty was considered as theatre at first it did in the end break off to become it's own art form within the name of theatre. I believe this is where it is going and maybe in ten years well will see many different companies trying the same thing.
I'm not sure how I feel about this Opera Company. For me, Opera is all about voice, design, and spectacle. I'm always wowed by a world that I can escape in. Here, it is interesting that opera is losing the design and spectacle. I think it is a fantastic idea to bring opera to people in everyday places, and perhaps introduce people to a great new art form. However, I believe they can take one step more. It seems on their website and in pictures, they still have a stage. If they are bringing opera to everyday life, why not eliminate the stage itself and set the opera in the company's current location and time? I think it is a dream of many that one day, the whole world would break out in song, and life would be a musical, opera, disney movie, etc. I think it would be fabulous if I was walking in a mall, and all of the sudden an opera started around me! I think the company has a good idea, but I think they can take it one step further and truly revolutionize opera.
Think this will be a great idea to bring opera to the people. My personal opinion of opera is slightly negative and for no truly apparent reason. I have a feeling that many young people between the age of 20 to 40 may have similar feelings. Going out one weekend and having a few opera singers sing there hearts out I think would be amazing. Maybe if we just to get a small taste and see that it is breathtaking and marvelous more people would go to see opera. I think these people are on the right path and I support their passion.
Post a Comment