Changing the narrative

 

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 NPR questions Is Opera Stuff (Only) Rich People Like? How can we, as young professionals, change that narrative?

Should our passion for great art come with the ire of others? The New York Times, in an article discussing a successful year of fundraising at the Metropolitan Opera, received some harsh commentary:

In the comments section, vitriol against the Met donors spewed hot and heavy. "At least some of those sickening Wall Street bonuses are going to good use," wrote one reader. "Sounds like at least a few folks can afford to pay more taxes," groused another. One more sample: "Just as drug money built the Miami skyline, the corrupt nature of New York's financial center will continue to fund the monuments of their success."

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Save the Date: Silent Night Preview Event on October 26

Wednesday, October 26, 2011 6:00 pm

Humphrey School of Public Affairs, 301 19th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55455

Minnesota Opera’s commissioned opera Silent Night tells the story of Christmas Eve in the Great War’s trenches. Preview this work in an evening where all is calm and all is bright: Art and policy intersect as Minnesota Opera and the University of Minnesota’s Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs convene a public conversation concerning military policy and dissention. Musical selections presented by composer Kevin Puts and the cast of Silent Night.

Go AWOL with fellow Tempo members in a pre-lecture cocktail hour, beginning at 6:00 p.m. Fill your fatigues with complimentary hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar before the lecture.

Admission: Free for Tempo members, $5.00 general admission with RSVP; limited seating. $10.00 for everyone at the door.

Call 612-333-6669 to R.s.v.p.

For information visit mnopera.org/tempo.

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10 Questions with MN Opera Intern and Future Tempo Blogger Clark Rahman

Photo by Drew Krason

1. What’s your sign?
Libra

2. Favorite opera?
I will do top three.... That is just a toughie; it is like asking someone's favorite movie!
a. Bizet's Carmen (I am a proud francophile) http://youtu.be/jG-0_p_yefg
b. Stauss' Ariadne Auf Naxos (best memories of my life are in Germany and it is such a vocal delicacy) http://youtu.be/SzM9QOUPeI0
c. Lucia di Lammermoor by Donizetti for my Scottish roots http://youtu.be/JW5Ol3jNrJI

3. If you could have any other job in the world, what would it be?
I would be Jackie O.

4. What is your favorite dessert?
Pot de creme

5. If you had to describe yourself using three words, what would they be?
Sassy, busy, fulfilled

6. What is your favorite holiday?
Depends on what country I am in.

7. What was your first opera?
It might not count as a full fledged opera, but The Mikado when I was four years old during the Tulip Festival in Iowa. My mom was sure my sister and I would hate every moment but it has always remained one of my favorite childhood memories.

8. If they made a movie of your life, what would it be about and which actor would you want to play you?
It would be sort of a cross between The Red Shoes (1939) and Breathless (1960). Don't care who plays me, as long they are smouldering.

9. Are you a morning or night person?
Night.

10. What’s your favorite thing to do in the winter?
Going on vacation.

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Newlyweds Matt & Chad win Tempo Membership and Subscription

Chad (L) and Matt (R) with Robyne Robinson (C) at Opera Tasting 2011

Newlyweds Matt and Chad won a Tempo membership and a 5-opera subscription to Minnesota Opera at Opera tasting 2011!  To win, Matt concocted a highly creative 3-opera season:

Opera 1:  Sandra Bullock directs Faust on a moving bus that cannot go slower than 60 MPH
Opera 2:  The Octomom directs Don Giovanni - - in the womb.
Opera 3:  Carmen Sandiego directs Carmen, set in historic places around the globe and conducted by Rockapella.

Chad received honorable mention for his...er...sensual...entry:

Opera 1:  Paris Hilton directs The Magic Flute - - with her mouth.
Opera 2:  Bob Barker directs Tosca using a cast of spaded cats.
Opera 3:  Tom Cruise, John Travolta, and Will Smith direct Porgy & Bess set in L. Ron Hubbard's basement.

Who knows?  Maybe Tempo has some new opera impresarios that just joined the ranks?  Good luck producing these operas, and welcome to Tempo, Matt & Chad!

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