Houston, is, by far, a vast arts mecca. One of the largest outside of New York, in fact. It is with much pride that I am an active part of a very innovative arts scene and work very closely with Opera Vista. Houston's cutting-edge contemporary opera company.
http://www.operavista.org/
I am in awe of what opening the doors of the opera world has done for me and for broadening my artistic spectrum and culture.
I still find myself a bit lost in traditional opera, but this is because I'm watching the performers and listening so intently that I completely neglect the audience-friendly supertitles that translate what is taking place on stage. But I enjoy listening so much more than looking up-looking down-looking up-looking down, etc. It's the same when viewing a TV program with the closed captions on. Although, I can't help but look at them, then...at the opera, I am completely capable of helping it.
The great aspect of what goes on with Opera Vista, is that many of their operas are in English. So, even the opera newcomer can actually watch the entire opera without keeping their eyes in the rafters. As they are expanding, Opera Vista is taking on more international works. Yes people, this means the return of the supertitle; however, I don't know that I'll mind. Contemporary opera is rarely the 3 to 4 and 1/2 hours long that is traditional opera certainty. These operas are more like 45 minutes to possibly an hour and a half or so and spilling over the brim with rich story lines and intriguing (and sometimes bizarre) elements that manage to keep me rivited. Not to mention that some of Houston's best home-grown singers participate to fill the characters' shoes. That's right, no flying in fancy pants folks from New York or L.A....Opera Vista is Houston talent all the way, and I think it's fantastic that these sublime voices have another avenue of performance in H-town outside of singing in the HGO chorus, teaching voice lessons, etc. Also, because Houston is so massive and diverse, there are unique arts companies everywhere and they are all supportive of one another. It's nice to see so many non-profit organizations surviving and putting out great work.
Huzzah for the arts!! And booooo to the evildoers who say putting money towards the arts in the stimulus package is wasteful spending.....I'd take my boyfriend's conducting baton and shove it right up....well....nevermind.
So proud of my beautiful, creative daughter. I try to imagine what you might have become had you the opportunity to spread those creative wings more during your development.
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