POST CONFERENCE
Conference Highlights
Opera Conference 2005 featured unprecedented attention to the subject of diversity in opera. Sessions addressed the breadth and depth of this issue, covering race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, and more. Groups examined how to build diversity not just in the audience, but on and off stage, and among board and staff.
Conference faculty included a roster of 140 experts, including representatives from opera companies, universities, artist management agencies, and publishers, as well as artists and trustees. 44 percent of the speakers were from outside the opera field, sharing expertise related to corporate practices, human resources, media relations, and the legal profession. 75 percent of the faculty had either never been featured at an OPERA America conference or had not be heard from in over two years. Celebrated author Toni Morrison was featured as the keynote speaker.
Opera Conference 2005 went into the Detroit community, presenting sessions at the Museum of African American History and Sainte Anne’s de Detroit, in the heart of the Hispanic neighborhood. By venturing into new territory — literally — conference programming provided a context for discussions about our increasingly diverse society.
Performances illustrated the conference theme. Michigan Opera Theatre’s world premiere of Margaret Garner gave audiences a glimpse into the kinds of heart-wrenching choices forced upon enslaved African-Americans. The New Works Sampler featured excerpts written by and about various ethnic communities. The Publishers’ Showcase doubled its attendance from its inaugural year, and OPERA America introduced a new event, Diversity in Performance, which showcased traditional and contemporary singing theater traditions from the American Indian, African-American, Armenian, and Arab American communities. The performance was also signed to demonstrate one way in which opera can reach the disabled.
Networking is a primary reason to attend OPERA America’s conferences, and in addition to sessions and performances, Opera Conference 2005 featured an increased number of social events, including Network Dinners in Greektown, a trip to Mexicantown for dinner, programmed lunches, the Host Company Reception, and the Closing Breakfast: Celebrate Opera! New this year was a Business Partner Reception, which closed the conference with a wine toast in the Exhibit Room, and an Annual Fund Reception, which acknowledged OPERA America’s generous contributors.
Participant Feedback
"I thank OPERA America for inviting me to participate in what certainly appears to have been a hugely successful conference. You worked very hard to bring diversity to the forefront of your members’ consciousness. I sincerely hope all our efforts will be helpful to the field of opera."
- William E. Terry, Partner, Terry & Associates
"Thank you all very much for another mammoth effort in organizing the annual conference. It was especially wonderful to be able to get ‘off campus.’ I know that takes an extra push of organization and commitment."
- Julian Sleath, Technical Director, Canadian Opera Company
"Thank you for a fantastic conference. It is always a highlight for me to be energized by the panels and discussions that arise at the OPERA America conference, and this year was particularly meaningful."
- Susan Ashbaker, Director of Artistic and Music Administration, Opera Company of Philadelphia
"Thank you for including me. I did make a quick decision and took my mama to see the world premiere of Margaret Garner — our first opera. What an experience for us both. And all because of my participation on this panel at the OPERA America Conference!"
- Nikki Moss, Leadership Council, DTE Energy
"The discussion was thoughtful and entertaining for the panelists as well as the audience. Several conference attendees stopped me on my way out and made similar comments. And, I met a participant later that evening at a different function who seemed to truly appreciate the honesty and experiences that were shared. I wish OPERA America continued success in sustaining what you have accomplished ... and in introducing new programs that promote the value of diversity."
- Donna Burke, Director of External Affairs, SBC Communications
ABOUT THE CONFERENCE:
The inclusion of diverse voices can have a transformative effect on many endeavors, from corporate innovation to artistic expression. Opera devotees know that the combination of music and drama evokes deep human emotions that can be shared by all people. But, despite our conviction that opera can engage audiences from different backgrounds and with different cultural perspectives, our community of audiences, artists, and administrators is largely homogenous.
The opera field has made some progress in breaking down barriers — barriers built by the negative stereotypes of opera in the popular culture as well as barriers created by our own attitudes and inhibitions. We have welcomed new and diverse audiences into opera houses across the country, yet we acknowledge that we have work to do.
Michigan Opera Theatre has faced this challenge in Detroit, a city with a wide variety of large ethnic communities. MOT has established relationships with a broad range of communities and, with the help of many local corporations, has addressed issues of race, generation, gender, physical ability, and sexual orientation. The world premiere of Margaret Garner — which takes place during Opera Conference 2005 — is an outstanding example of the company’s successful effort to broaden the appeal of the art form.
Opera Conference 2005: Diverse Voices will explore ways we can win expanded support among a broader group of stakeholders and examine how opera can be enriched by diverse participation. Scheduled over the celebrations of Cinco de Mayo and the State of Michigan’s Arab American Cultural Week, Opera Conference 2005 will feature presentations and panel discussions with cultural leaders, as well as performances by and about a variety of peoples. This unique event will create a deeper understanding of pluralism, drawing from the insights of those who work in opera as well as experts from outside the field.
Once again, the Conference will be the most important annual convening of the opera field. In addition to this unprecedented focus on diversity, Opera Conference 2005: Diverse Voices will cover a broad range of topics that are fundamental to opera’s success. We look forward to seeing you in Detroit!
| Marc A. Scorca |
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Micheline McKay |
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David DiChiera |
President and CEO |
| Executive Director |
| General Director |
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OPERA America
A nonprofit service organization, OPERA America leads and serves the entire opera community, supporting the creation, presentation, and enjoyment of opera. Artistic services help opera companies and creative and performing artists to improve the quality of productions and increase the creation and presentation of North American works. Information, technical, and administrative services to opera companies reflect the need for strengthened leadership among staff, trustees, and volunteers. Education, audience development, and community services are designed to enhance all forms of opera enjoyment.
Opera.ca
The voice of opera in Canada, Opera.ca seeks to create and sustain an environment that makes opera central to Canadian life. Opera.ca serves the field through communications, advocacy, and programs, and in a collaboration with OPERA America, brings its members a full range of service and products.
