What is the Future of Opera in English?

The NYPR Archive Collections | Jan 1, 2000

This episode is from the WNYC archives. It may contain language which is no longer politically or socially appropriate.

This episode of Speaking of Music varies from the usual format, instead of an individual artist discussing music, four experts converse on the subject.

Guests include:
Dr. Desmond McMann, Music Adviser of the City of Birmingham, England
A.J. Fletcher, lawyer and founder of The Grassroots Opera of America
Dr. Joseph Rosenstock, General Director of the New York City Opera Company
Dr. Herman Neuman, Musical Director of the Municipal Broadcasting System

"On the basis of your own varied backgrounds, what is the future of opera in English and is there a future?"
Rosenstock hopes there will be a bright future for English opera in the United States, he wants to get rid of the misconception that opera is only for high class snobs. To get rid of this misconception, translating opera into English is very important.

Fletcher notes that he wouldn't be able to get any audience at all in North Carolina if it weren't in English. Fletcher discusses the Grassroots Opera - which performs all over North Carolina, including performances for school children.

Dr. McMann hopes that the people themselves can have the opportunity to take part in opera. McMann notes that an opera composed in English has very little chance of being performed professionally.

Rosenstock discusses why opera seems to be more popular in Europe than it is in the United States.

Audio courtesy of the NYC Municipal Archives WNYC Collection

WNYC archives id: 72665
Municipal archives id: LT3664

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