Provocative Poultry Post

July 29, 2008 - Those who read this blog regularly (yes, I'm remaining optimistic that there are those of you who read this regularly) already know that I've become enamoured of a blog called Chicken Scratch, maintained by Carl the Opera Cleveland chicken. Well a few posts back, Carl talked (or perhaps pecked the keyboard is more accurate) about supertitles and what a great aid they are in bringing new audiences to opera. I agree with Carl that supertitles are infinitely preferable to sitting listening to an opera sung in a language you don't understand. However, I would posit to Carl that even better than supertitles is the experience of hearing an opera in your own language. Opera in the vernacular was the norm for several centuries before the advent of supertitles, and every opera composer from Monteverdi to Poulenc was happy to entertain the idea of their works being translated (Poulenc even was actively involved in the preparation of singing translations for The Dialogues of the Carmelites and mandated as much as he could that the opera be sung in the vernacular) if it meant success in a city outside their homeland. Opera Vivente is vehemently engaged in reinstituting this type of direct, dramatic communication with out audiences. If Carl would like to attend a performance at OV, I have premium poultry seating available in the front row and would be honored to have him as my guest. See you at the opera (in English) Carl!

Artscape Finished but No Rest for the Weary

July 24, 2008 - Well, Artscape performances are over and were a great success. Many thanks to the patrons who braved blistering heat to come hear us and particular thanks to Tim Smith for his review. Now it's full steam ahead for the opening of the season with Mozart's Lord Giovanni aka Don Giovanni in the original language opera house world. We're in the midst of finding the last few choristers, finalizing set and costume designs, contracting orchestral musicians, writing press releases, etc. as well as all the day to day operational things, e.g. working on program layout, selling advertising, fundraising, fulfilling ticket orders . . .well the list goes on. And speaking of ticket orders, individual tickets go on sale August 1st! See you at the opera! - John Bowen

Baritone French Kisses Ficus Tree!

Latte boy saves lesbian lovers! Love trumps literature! Soprano and baritone sing the joys of sentence fragments! Just some possible headlines for our upcoming performances at Artscape. Intrigued? Come see what it's all about on Sunday at 3 and 5pm at the Brown Center at MICA.

What a Sight!

July 15, 2008 - Well I loaded in all the stuff for our Artscape performances yesterday (quite a feat given the road closures, security at the Brown Center, etc.). Last night as I took a desk chair, a longbow, a 6' silk ficus tree, and a bag full of coffee cups to my car, I thought "I wonder what the casual observer thinks I'm about to engage in." See you at Artscape. - John Bowen

P.S. The Artscape blurb doesn't mention it, but our performances of Monteclair and Handel feature Harmonious Blacksmith, Baltimore's innovative period instrumental ensemble led by Joe Gascho.

The Artscape Flurry Begins

July 10, 2008 - Spent the past week finishing translation of Don Giovanni forever hereafter to be referred to as LORD Giovanni (since that's what Don means after all) so haven't been posting. And now am on the eve of the big flurry of activity leading up to our performances at Artscape, so probably won't post much until after 7/20 (performances are at 3pm and 5pm btw). I'll try though. The Artscape pieces are extremely cool and unusual so they might warrant a little backstage banter posting before the shows. I hope you'll stop by the Brown Center at MICA and have a look. - John Bowen