Countryhouse opera secures its orchestras
OperaGarsington Opera has announced that music director Douglas Boyd, the Philharmonia Orchestra and The English Concert have extended their contracts by another five years.
Douglas Boyd said: ‘I am so fortunate to work with the amazingly dedicated group of people who make up Garsington Opera. It will be an honour to continue to be part of the leadership team for the next 5 years. We have achieved so much over the last decade, and it has truly been a team effort. Not least has been the partnership with two of the finest orchestras in the world, the Philharmonia and The English Concert, and I am delighted that they will be central to our artistic goals well into the future. Meanwhile, 2024 is a seminal moment for GO with the opening of Garsington Studios, which will create life changing opportunities for generations to come and provide us with the artistic environment to create world class opera’.
Perhaps this and its ilk are where the performing arts go to die: geographical separation, black tie, no prices until you register, no registration without social rank. More effort and resources on the weakening main seasons, please.
Oy vey, Summer performances in the country have been going on since the early 19th Century in Europe and the United States. The old money wealthy, as well as a chunk of new money have always kept composers composing, musicians playing and singers singing and they love Summer festivals.
Less cynicism and a little more research, please.
Googling OperaFirst would be a good place to start.
I’m writing Mark Zuckerburg to see if he can sponsor an opera festival startup in his new $300 million Hawaiian compound.