Talk to almost any European in the opera business, and he or she will make some comment about the wicked control American donors have over the productions for which they give the funds. They usually bemoan the fact that art is sacrificed to the conservative will. No matter how many times I say that no donor to Seattle Opera has ever even suggested that he or she have anything to do with the look, … [Read more...]

In 1763, just when Christoph Willibald Glueck was in the process of reforming opera and creating the art form as we know it today, Samuel Johnson described opera as "an exotic and irrational entertainment." Its irrationality comes from its inability to pay its way and its consequent need to be supported--first by the nobility, then by the Gilded society of a century ago, and today by a multitude … [Read more...]

The news that San Diego Opera is closing its doors has come as a horrible shock to everyone in opera. The New York City Opera's demise was predicted for so many months that although it was sad when it happened, it was not exactly a surprise. The news from Southern California came as a bolt out of the blue even to those most knowledgable in opera. First of all there is enormous sympathy and … [Read more...]

I went to San Francisco last Thursday, March 14, for Grandparents' Day at my three grand daughters' school, Hamlin. They are in the first, second, and sixth grade, and I was able to see a lot of their work and talk to their teachers. All the grandparents or special friends were treated to a talk by the head of the school, a very well-spoken woman originally from New York and a graduate of Chapin. … [Read more...]

The death of Gerard Mortier was reported in Monday's New York Times. In 1990 I came to Brussels to see a production of The Damnation of Faust. It turned out not to be in Brussels but to be a concert performance in Antwerp (I have no idea how I received the wrong information). At that time M. Mortier was the Intendant at the Monnaie, the major opera company in Brussels. He invited me to ride in his … [Read more...]

For thirty-one years I have treasured my position as General Director of Seattle Opera. Today my successor, Aidan Lang, has assumed the position of General Director Designate. He is an excellent man, and I'm sure will excel at the position, presenting operas at the level to which our audience has become accustomed or to new, higher levels. Because of the dramatic change of my status, I am … [Read more...]

Welcome to my blog. I am retiring in August 2014 as General Director of Seattle Opera, a post I have held since 1983. I thought I would note this change in my life by beginning a blog recording my different activities and thoughts as I head toward a new chapter in my life, which will still concentrate on opera. … [Read more...]