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MAN OF STEEL COMING TO DALLAS
By Suzanne Calvin
The Dallas Opera is counting the days until the arrival of new General Director George Steel, a 41-year-old Manhattan impresario, who has impressed critics with his intelligent, innovative programming and emphasis on audience development to become a favorite of the prestigious (and notoriously picky) New York arts establishment.
George Steel, who conducts as well as produces, has family ties to Dallas that can be traced to the late 19th century. However, it’s the future of Dallas and the arts in North Texas that proved irresistible to Mr. Steel: “Dallas is bursting with civic pride and energy.”
One look at the scale and scope of the Dallas Center for the Performing Arts is “proof positive” that we are entering an exciting new era. Dallas is in the process of redefining itself as a destination city; home to the largest contiguous arts district in the United States. Mr. Steel’s special contribution to that process will be his extraordinary vision, energy, leadership and imagination.
“I want to make sure that every opera the company is doing delivers a thrilling theatrical and musical experience,” he told Classical Music Critic Scott Cantrell of The Dallas Morning News. “That means finding operas that work really well in Dallas; to find operas that maybe don’t get performed as often as they should…It has to be adventurous, in all senses of that word.”
Speaking with The New York Times, Steel expressed his determination to make each performance “totally riveting.” He also hopes to launch more new Dallas Opera productions and ground-breaking creative collaborations with other opera companies and arts groups.
The multifaceted Mr. Steel officially takes the company helm on October 1st.
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Let’s say you’ve got a thing about bubbles. That every time the soapy discharge plops off the end of your wand in fat, rainbow-tinged bubbles, you get this inescapable feeling that this is why you’re here. Making bubbles is exactly what nature has intended you to do. Now, let’s say someone is willing to give you FREE room and board to enable you to blow your bubbles both day and night? How awesome would that be?
Well, that’s similar to the experience of the artists living at the University of Texas at Dallas’ Centraltrak. It’s only “similar” because Bubble Lover’s free room would most likely be padded while Centraltrak is a bona fide art gallery that just happens to include cosy beds and kitchenettes.
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BREAKING THE LANGUAGE BARRIER
WITH THE ITALIAN CLUB
By Jonathan Morales
From the beginning of opera with Monteverdi’s L’Orfeo to the height of versimo opera with Leoncavallo’s Pagliacci, the Italian language has permeated the art form. Its mellifluous flow defines theatrical romance language. Friday, September 19th, patrons eagerly arrived at the doors of the prominent Italian Club of Dallas, hoping to get a taste of the language that has illustrated the life of opera.
“Buon giorno!!”
“Ciao.”
“Come stai?”
“Abbastanza bene. E tu?”
“Cosí cosí.”
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On special occasions, Maestro George Steel (a.k.a. our new general director) has been known to wear tails that once belonged to his mentor, Leonard Bernstein.
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AMICI DI OPERA
The Dallas Opera's Professionals Group
This organization, comprised of young professionals throughout the DFW area (aged: 25 to 45), has excited a new generation of opera lovers. Fun is had by all with relaxing social events, educational discussions, and exclusively reserved seating at the shows. As a member of Amici, individuals not only enjoy the benefits of membership, but also a sense of support for the arts community in Dallas.
Amici will kick off the season with the annual Season Launch Party on October 21st from 6:30PM to 8:30PM. Get together with old friends and meet some new faces as we celebrate the final season at the Fair Park Music Hall. This will be the year to remember.
This is an exciting opportunity to learn about, appreciate, and embrace the magic of opera. Join us and others by becoming a member of this exciting organization, Amici di Opera.
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A SPECIAL THANKS TO THE DALLAS OPERA'S CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD - JOHN CODY
After 14 years with The Dallas Opera in roles ranging from subscriber to Chairman of the Board, John Cody took on his greatest role during the 2007-08 Season. While the company searched for a new general director, John stepped into the top administrative post of the Opera. His daily involvement was pivotal in keeping the company on track and The Dallas Opera will always grateful for his generosity of time and expertise during this critical period. Bravo, John, for a job well done!
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Christian Capocaccia will be joining The Dallas Opera this season as Assistant Conductor. Christian was born in Rome and began studying the violin at age 9. After earning his Diploma from the Santa Cecilia Music Conservatory, he came to the United States for further study at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music. At IU, he was the assistant conductor for the Opera Theater and the New Music Ensemble. To get to know Christian a little better, we asked him what he listens to on his iPod. Here’s what he told us:
I use my iPhone mostly to listen to podcasts. In the morning, if I have the time to drink my tea and read the newspaper at home, I usually listen to a podcast called The Concert. The Isabella Stewart Garden Museum in Boston broadcasts its concert season. While driving, I actually like to listen to a different kind of podcast. One of them is Philosophy Bites. Here is the description from the iTunes store:
“David Edmonds (co-author of Wittgenstein's Poker) and Nigel Warburton (author of Philosophy: The Basics) interview top philosophers on a wide range of topics in this weekly podcast”.
The other one is called 60-Second Science.
“Leading science journalists provide a daily minute of commentary on some of the most interesting developments in the world of science”.
During long road trips, I like to listen to Audiobooks. The one I’m working on right now is The Castle in the Forest by Norman Mailer.
As you can see I mostly avoid music when I’m off work. I guess it’s my way to rest the ears. Of course there are many exceptions. For example, I have a collection of songs that include many different things from jazz albums to klezmer music to Italian song writers and pop music in general.
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