The New Orleans Opera
Association (NOOA) Board of Directors, which is run by President Dwayne O.
Littauer, decided on November 11 to make adjustments to the winter and spring schedules
to comply with social-distancing guidelines and to prioritize the health of the
staff, artists, and audience members. Subscribers to the NOOA were notified
shortly after the board's meeting.
General Director
Clare Burovac, the company's first female, commented on how grateful this opera
organization was to their subscribers, as they are able to re-envision shows,
while other opera companies were forced to shut down entirely. "We are
incredibly grateful to our entire subscriber and donor community," Burovac
stated. "Thanks to our supporters, we have been able to adapt our artistic
programming for these ever-changing times."
The NOOA, currently
in its 78th season, wishes to have people connect through their love of opera
and the performative arts; therefore, they aim to produce high-quality operas,
both classic and experimental. During the pandemic, the NOOA has been there for
the community by hosting a virtual singing competition for regional high school
students, presenting three concerts with limited seating, and hiring a COVID
officer. The NOOA will even be hosting two masterclass sessions with two
notable opera singers.
In a time when it is
especially important that citizens feel connected to one another, the NOOA has
created an inventive schedule that accommodates social-distancing guidelines
and virtual experiences.
Only
three shows from the winter and spring schedule were cancelled: Beethoven's Fidelio, Mozart's The Magic Flute, and Puccini's Madama
Butterfly. Aside from these exceptions, New Orleans Opera has adapted the
schedule to include not only live performances, but also digital ones.
The digital
performances include a collaboration with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra
(LPO) and a recital with highly esteemed tenor Bryan Hymel, widely known
soprano Irini Kryiakidou, and pianist and Artistic Director of Opera Louisiane
Michael Borowitz. The dates of these concerts will be on New Orleans Opera's
website in early 2021.
The live events
include Gian Carlo Menotti's The Medium on
March 19 and 20,
The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess on
April 30 and May 1, and an "Opera on Tap - In on Yard!" series in April.
"We are excited to be
able to offer these performances and programs even under the challenging
circumstances we all face," Burovac added. "It is important that we continue to
find creative ways to share the beauty of live opera, while being mindful of
the health and safety of everyone in the greater New Orleans community."
As the popular and
iconic theater phrase reminds us, the show must go on!
