HOW TO PUT ON AN opera season 2018 STYLE

For more than a decade the world of opera has undergone (and continues to undergo) wide ranging changes. Whether dealing with the economic downturn after 2008; live HD transmissions in movie theatres or, changes in public tastes and demographics, the genre has had to adapt to survive. As custodians of each company’s ‘product’ and philosophy, it has been left to artistic directors to grapple with these challenges and lead opera in Canada to a viable future.

2008’s financial crisis led to the demise of several North American companies (remember Opera Hamilton and Opera Lyra?) and accordingly, artistic budgets came under increasing pressure. “I know it may sound strange, but I don’t think in financial terms.” That is the unequivocal motto of Pacific Opera Victoria’s (POV) Artistic Director, Timothy Vernon. “I am supported by a remarkable team of people who allow me to propose an artistic vision that seeks to stimulate our public. We invariably make the available budget work artistically. Never once have I been met with the phrase ‘it’s not enough money’ from an artist,”