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If you were running an opera company when the pandemic hit, what would you do? Pivot your business, right? Youâd look around at the incredible talent you have at your disposal, and work with them creatively to find things to offer to the world.
Opera singers are always so fond of telling me that they are Capital C Creatives but when the necessity for creativity arose with covid19, the companies did⊠nothing?
Just off the top of my head, a few ideas for things they could offer. Online coachings for young singers in repertoire, language, movement. Zoom masterclasses with The Stars.
Google Hangouts with the biggest names. Plenty of outrageous backstage anecdotes to keep everyone entertained (leaving out the systemic misogyny/rape culture. But thatâs a whole other saga).
âOpera Demystifiedâ â a podcast/youtube series explaining how opera works, hosted by the conductors, directors, repetiteurs.
Virtual chamber music from the orchestra. Instrumental lessons and masterclasses perhaps in cooperation with conservatories, music schools, youth orchestras.
Workshops for composers. This is a biggie. Singers are always complaining to me how âmodern composers just donât know how to write for the voiceâ. Well, hereâs a chance to help.
Stage management and crew to facilitate the online offerings, helping with the tech setups either socially distanced in company studies or in artistsâ homes. They make people look amazing on stage, they can make you look amazing online too surely.
Set builders to create online setups: stands, desks etc. specifically tailored. Designers to create beautiful Zoom backgrounds available to the public, so they can feel like theyâre on the set of their fave production.
Costume departments to make masks. Imagine a mask made from leftovers of the exquisite brocade that graced your favourite La Boheme costume? Strictly limited editions too. You could even auction them.
I know that issues with sound quality and connection speeds make online stuff hard but hey, the rest of the industry is dealing with that so, yeah. Eat it.
I could go on a long time with this. The thing is, I havenât been thinking about it for very long, all of about half an hour. If companies gave it serious thought, sustained commitment⊠Just imagine!
And yes, these thoughts were all prompted by reading of @OperaAustralia woes this week.
The only thing Iâve seen them offer during the pandemic is a few of their historical productions online (Correct me if Iâm wrong about that!)
The only thing Iâve seen them offer during the pandemic is a few of their historical productions online (Correct me if Iâm wrong about that!)
