On Saturday, October 8th, I attended the Eastman School of Music’s Innovate. Lead. Music. Conference 2016, presented by the Paul R. Judy Center for Applied Research at ESM. The conference focused on innovative ways that creative artists, ensembles and musical organizations can work together, structure their work, and partner with other arts organizations to provide opportunities for artists in the 21st century, support integrated arts education in communities, and “enrich the world with music” (Dean Jamal Rossi).
The one-day conference was full of ideas, creativity and excitement, and participants left enthused and encouraged by the new network of contacts they had made. But there was one thing that was mentioned by several of the artists and executives of the participating arts organizations that surprised me – Opera! Over and over again presenters mentioned the significance of opera as a project or genre that has significant potential to be the most innovative in reaching audiences, introducing new artistic expression, opportunities for partnering and bringing current events to the arts. It was extremely apparent that the art of the opera is alive and well, and composers are embracing this genre as one of the most innovative ways to bring music into people’s lives.
Then I read this article about Annilese Miskimmon who has been general manager and artistic director of the Danish National Opera since 2012, and will soon be leaving to take up the same position next year at the Norwegian National Opera. She relates her current production of Puccini’s Madama Butterfly to many of the issues facing society today, including “racism, imperialism and especially the grooming and sexual abuse of a 15-year-old girl.” This got me thinking about the Lyric Opera of Chicago’s premiere earlier this year of Peruvian composer Jimmy Lopez’ opera Bel Canto which was inspired by an act of terrorism: the 1996 hostage crisis in Lima, Peru.
The arts are evolving. Current events and the arts can and should co-exist as vitally important parts of our lives. Music and the arts can be a respite from the realities of life, or they can help us deal with the realities of life in a way that may provide more understanding. However the arts help you deal with the realities of our current world, I encourage you to look to the arts. Go to a concert, check out an opera, explore a new musical opportunity. Let music and the arts inspire you and lead you to a place of understanding.