New York City Opera’s declaration of bankruptcy last month highlighted performing arts organizations’ ever-present struggle for financial security. Although the notoriously struggle for relevancy and profitability has left the future of NYCO in jeopardy, closer to home in Chicago it seems to be successfully sparking new innovation.
Editor’s Note: Watch the recent 60 Minutes segment “Reinventing opera at the Met”
Chicago Opera Theatre (COT) is offering an unusual spin on the classic myth Orpheus and Eurydice on November 8 and 10. Opera lovers may be familiar with the plot from Monteverdi’s L’Orfeo or Gluck’s Orfeo ed Eurdice. However, COT presents American composer Ricky Ian Gordon’s rendition. COT collaborated with the Chicago Park District to present Orpheus on the Eckhart Park Pool, bringing the River Styx to life, and to publicly present the opera for free. See www.chicagooperatheater.org/orpheusandeuridice/ for details.
Meanwhile, in a notable change from previous years, the Lyric Opera of Chicago offered deeply discounted tickets to favorites like Othello and Madama Butterfly through the website Goldstar in addition to a variety of discounts and special events through their email. This may hint at a new strategic direction for the company under a new marketing director this fall.
Of course, the Met: Live in HD broadcast series is also an effective outreach initiative. Thanks to the generosity of Fathom Events, PN is giving away a pair of tickets to both the live (11:55AM, Nov. 9) and the encore (6:30PM, Nov. 11) broadcasts of Puccini’s Tosca at the Regal Cantera 17 in Warrenville.
To enter to win tickets, please email emilyriederer@gmail.com with your name and address.
For a complete schedule of the Met: Live in HD season and to find a theater near you, visit www.FathomEvents.com.
