Opera Conference 2011: Part 1

My welcome packet!

Each spring OPERA America holds a conference in a different city in partnership with the local opera company and professionals from across the opera spectrum and the continent come together to discuss the successes, challenges and new horizons facing the world of opera today. This year, Opera Conference 2011 landed in Boston with Boston Lyric Opera and Opera Boston co-hosting, a hugely exciting opportunity!

The conference began with a couple of intimate seminars on Saturday and Sunday this past weekend and I kicked off my experience with the Electronic Media Form: Copyright Basics. I wasn't sure what to expect, but figured with all our content on YouTube, it would be helpful to know how to handle performance or rehearsal videos. While the gentlemen leading the session were certainly knowledgeable, I was disappointed that they didn't offer more guidelines or methods for navigating the murky waters of copyright laws that haven't caught up to new technologies. The overarching advice: ask for permission, do the legwork and you'll probably be okay. I left feeling a bit daunted: how would I ever sift through all the legal jargon and figure out what I needed to know? Nevertheless, there were more sessions to attend, a cocktail reception and a networking dinner the next day. For the time being, I needed my beauty rest.

Sunday I attended New and Social Media 201: Beyond the Basics, which I found interesting and energizing. I love hearing what other companies are doing, how they are doing it cheaply and how much fun it can be! Ceci Dadisman of Palm Beach Opera shared the services she uses for online contests, live chatting events and so much more - all on a budget. I have so many new ideas for the 2011/2012 Season, but before I tell you my ideas, tell me what you'd like to see BLO do more of in the online community? Do you wish we were more mobile friendly? Had an iphone app? Produced more video content? I'd love to hear from you!

The conference truly kicked off Sunday evening at the Welcome Reception at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston and no opera event would be complete without singing and theatrics. I had a fabulous time soaking in the crowd, the excitement, the entertainment! These pictures do not do the evening justice, but the cast of A Midsummer Night's Dream provided excellent operatic moments during the reception!

 

Chad Johnson spontaneously started singing during the evening's festivities.

T. Steven Smith joined Chad in song.

Matthew Worth and Heather Johnson took the stage to delight the guests.

Matthew and Heather work their magic onstage.

Opera Conference 2011 continues throughout the week. Perhaps I'll see you there?

-- Karen Robichaud