Home-run diva discovers the limits of social media
mainJoyce DiDonato, Kansas City’s most celebrated daughter since Dorothy, decided she had to go to the ball.
The Kansas Royals had made it to the World Series for the first time since 1985 and Joyce wanted to offer her support by singing the National Anthem. So she went online to drum up support. However, despite sharing top spot in a public poll with an American Idol winner, Joyce’s bid was ignored by the baseball authorities who chose a pack of popsters. She’s still boosting the Royals on a Euro tour video (see below), and the home orchestras is doing its level best to make up for the lack of classics on the diamond.
But if the baseball bosses can’t give a toss, should we really bother?
Baseball is the most boring game in the world, so who would give a ****.
Indeed singing the National Anthem in a stadium is hardly the ideal medium for promoting the power of opera. But to be fair to Joyce, I think it should be pointed out that she only lent her support to the campaign when others started it – she’s far too humble and classy to seek to use a baseball game to start an exercise in self-promotion herself. And in its modest way, even these games, – a pretty special and proud moment for Kansas City – aren’t bad way to show a lot of people that wouldn’t normally go anywhere near a concert hall in 3 minutes that they do possess one of the world’s very finest performing artists.
“I never realized how boring this game is” – A sober Homer Simpson.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WwGybS6TWEM
Lauritz Melchior sang the anthem at Dodger games, including during the World Series in Los Angeles.
Robert Merrill sang it at Yankees stadium. Here he is at the 1976 Series: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XSODlfdx-7U Merrill died while watching a World Series game.
I think the KC Royals, who I was previously supporting in this World Series, have been very small here. Not that much exciting stuff comes out of Kansas. But it’s ki-i-i-ntry music turf, I suppose. Wouldn’t know what had hot them if they heard the anthem well sung.
And baseball is not boring. Anyone who thinks that would find cricket boring too. Not everyone needs to see blood to enjoy sport.
Self marketing fail.
No self-marketing at work here. Her fans started the campaign, and she gamely went along with it when it got some traction.
I agree with Bratschegirl and Eric.
Joyce is a class act and at the top of the world. She never asked to sing in the World Series for her hometown team, the Kansas City Royals. Devoted and supportive fans started the entire promotion and she went along for the ride, as she is full of grace, charm, and humor!
Well said Jenny. Exactly right!
I don’t understand this post. It is about the wonderful Alcina tour. The mention of the Royals is one small part.
Joyce is doing what Joyce does – making her experience accessible to a generation that expects full accessibility. It’s a wonderful video, showing behind-the-scenes at the tour. I laughed at the whole group trying to find their hotel. Good stuff.
Dorothy isn’t from Kansas City. She grew up on a farm.
How about Eminem, Ginger Rogers, Walt Disney or Joan Crawford?
Remember – it’s not the Royals (or any home team in the Series) that chooses the singer….Major League Baseball is a significant player in the decision. They should have chosen the home-town singer to sing in front of the home-town team. But, given the outcome of this weekend’s game…the Royals have another shot at home (at least 1 if not 2) and should decide quick on Joyce.
It’s ju been announced that, should there be a seventh game, she will sing.
Buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jack … And a plate of crow, hmm?