SPECIAL EVENTS

In a world filled with news and information about the economy, the environment, education, health care, national security and space exploration -- to name just a few of the compelling issues shaping our lives -- what is opera’s place? Is it just another traditional art form competing for attention in an increasingly crowded entertainment marketplace? The works of Mozart and Verdi reflected the pressing political dynamics of their day. Does opera still have the capacity to connect meaningfully to contemporary issues and social concerns? Should it? Do opera companies respond effectively to unmet community needs? Can they?

Opera Conference 2009: Making Opera Matter will explore these compelling questions and more from April 29 through May 2, 2009.

The world premiere of Brief Encounter by André Previn and John Caird, a Keynote Address by award-winning writer and commentator, Alex Ross, a special on-site visit with HGOco and plenty of built-in networking time are just a few of the happenings taking place during a week full of events focused on the current and future state of opera in North America.

Click here for information on Wednesday, April 29 Pre-Conference Seminars.

Click here for detailed descriptions of Thursday-Saturday conference sessions.

Click here for opera performances details.

Houston Arts Alliance: Houston 5 for $95 Special Offer:

OPERA America is committed to building on the collaborative energy generated at the 2008 National Performing Arts Convention in Denver. Five sessions at the upcoming Opera Conference 2009, taking place at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Houston from April 29 to May 2, will address issues of importance to administrators and trustees from all arts organizations. We are pleased to invite you to join us for interdisciplinary perspective and specific strategies that can help you respond to current challenges.

The Houston 5 for $95 package includes:

1. Alex Ross Keynote Address
Thursday, April 30 (9:00am-10:00am)
The conference officially kicks off with a Keynote Address by MacArthur Genius Fellow Alex Ross, acclaimed author of The Rest is Noise and music critic of The New Yorker.

2. Navigating Changing Times 
Thursday, April 30 (10:30am-12pm)
The arts are inherently collaborative. This fundamental quality must inform our behavior during this challenging economic period. Staff members must work across departments and with board members to make short-term financial decisions that support long-term company objectives. Every financial decision has an artistic ramification, and, conversely, every artistic decision has a financial ramification. Navigating under pressure between suddenly changed financial circumstances and established artistic goals tests even the most experienced decision-makers. Hosted by David McIntosh, co-author of The Art of Business, hear from company leaders who have had success reducing budgets and increasing revenue while honoring the core values of their companies.

3. Making Opera Matter in Public Policy
Friday, May 1 (9:00am-10:15am)
Comments made on Capitol Hill last fall called into question the value of the arts as part of the nonprofit, charitable sector. A September 2008 Chronicle of Philanthropy article, “Paying It Forward – and Back,” underlined a concern among politicians from both parties as to whether the arts should be eligible for tax-exempt status. The preservation of the charitable deduction for arts organizations will depend on special program initiatives, communication strategies and advocacy on the local level. Board members, staff and stakeholders must be prepared to explain how their company provides valuable community service and enhances civic life. Patricia Read, senior vice president, public policy and government affairs at Independent Sector, Lester Salamon, director of the Center for Civil Society Studies at the Johns Hopkins University Institute for Policy Studies, and Gary Gibbs, executive director of the Texas Commission on the Arts, will provide guidance about the strategic, programmatic and communication adjustments that will help ensure support from the public and private sectors.

4. Dow School Visit: Ensuring Opera’s Relevance
Saturday, May 2 (9:00am -1:30pm)
HGOco is an initiative to reposition Houston Grand Opera as a significant cultural resource for the greater Houston community. Through performances, a panel discussion and roundtable sessions featuring prominent collaborators and community leaders, this general session will offer a new model for community engagement. Forget what you’re thinking; it’s not outreach!

Multicultural Counseling and Education through the Arts (MECA) and HGO will host this session at the Dow School, MECA’s home. Bus transportation and lunch will be provided.

5. Exclusive Exhibit Hall Access
Thursday, April 30 (1:30pm-2:30pm) and Friday, May 1 (10:30am-11:30am)
Enjoy free coffee, network with your 5 for $95 colleagues and peruse the exhibits.

Visit www.operaamerica.org/conference  for more information.  Click here to register for the Houston 5 for $95 package.

Questions? Call or E-mail Paul Gosselin, membership manager, at 212-796-8620, Ext. 214 or PGosselin@operaamerica.org.

Pictured:  Houston Grand Opera's world premiere production of Adamo's Lysistrata. Detail of a  Photo by Brett Coomer.