Every year at this time I’m reminded of my Italian teacher Signora Spinelli. When I started visiting her DC apartment twice a week for my crash course in Italian, I spoke nary a word. She never spoke to me in English, and for months I thought my head would explode every time I went for
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Only If You’re Not a Screwup
The twin mantras of Accountability and Consistency are part of my DNA. For much of my young adult life I felt as it I could wriggle away from their grasp. Not so. And a good thing, too, for it’s probably because of my compulsive nature that I’m able to survive in arts management. Those huge
Read MoreFalcone
Winter’s last gasp brought our red-tailed hawk back to his perch outside my office window. I like to think he’s waiting for the return of Volpone and its hawkish characters Corvina (the Crow) and Cornaccio (the Raven). Tickets on sale today for this summer’s performances! Start here. The Studio LivesThe Wolf Trap Opera Studio is
Read MoreThe Fox, The Star & The Flute
I know it didn’t look much like summer here in Virginia this week, but this too shall pass. To conjure up some heat, here, finally, is information on our 2007 season! More details will be found at www.wolftrap.org/opera in a couple of days. First, two operas in new productions at The Barns, our unique indoor
Read MoreThe Attention Span of a Gnat
A few links today. With apologies for the fact that I seem to be incapable of a clear, linear thought. First, this on the PBS blog “Mediashift” – some thoughts on the “Attention Economy.” Very much on my mind at this time of year when we’re trying to put together season marketing materials. If I
Read MoreIce Day
Ah, the Wintry Mix. It means that I get to catch up on the blog, nag my son about cleaning his room, finish the audition feedback requests, and attack a 3-month backlog of ironing. Feedback Back when I was doing my music therapy degree, we used to study biofeedback. In the mid-70’s it was a
Read MoreBut What Do You Do in the Winter?
Ah, the “off-season.” As in, “It must be nice to work for a summer opera company. What do you do the rest of the year?” Truthfully, it still boggles my mind. We are literally scrambling, working through the evenings to meet deadlines. How can there not be enough hours in the day in February? Planning
Read MoreRecommendations, Reponses & Recitals
Before I get to the main topics… this photo from last Friday evening’s Discovery Series concert with the Parker String Quartet. Rich Kleinfeldt, our onstage host, is enjoying his mid-concert Q&A with the artists. I think I snapped this photo right about the time Rich was asking violinist Karen Kim about their New Music/New Places
Read More"She really is pretty nuts."
The vacation was pretty much a bust. Five days with the flu. And a chunk of time dealing with some deadlines that weren’t met before I left the office. (Yes, what part of “a lack of planning on your part doesn’t constitute an emergency on my part” is so hard to understand?) Grrrr. Surprised to
Read MoreVacation Time
A short post this week – and a slightly more personal one than typical – as befits my current state of leisure. The last couple of days have been spent in the reflected glow of Physics Science Fair Hell, but my son’s project is due tomorrow, and this too shall pass. Otherwise, I’m spending a
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