David Brewster
This fascinating report on changing times for opera — getting smaller, taking more risks, cheaper tickets, more contemporary fare — is illustrative of the changes going on in performing arts. Pay particular attention to Opera Philadelphia, which is in the big-budget league with Seattle Opera: more contemporary operas, an edgy festival season. Unlike, say, Portland, Seattle arts got big fast, so making a transition to this new era will be especially difficult. But it is definitely going on.
What Does a Successful 21st Century Opera Company Look Like?