You'd think that in all of downtown LA you'd pretty much be assured of wireless access... but that appears not to have been the case. And you can FORGET getting it for free. So I'm a bit late in posting these but better late than never, I suppose.
This is only my second Opera America conference, but I'm already a fan. This year is a lot bigger than last year, at least double or maybe even triple the number of attendees as last year in Houston. It's slightly harder to mingle in crowds that big, and of course you do have to deal with the odd clique: a huge group coming from an opera company across the country who already all know each other and aren't nearly as keen to start up a conversation with a stranger.
The day started off Wednesday, actually, with the welcome reception which took place at the LA Opera House on the 5th floor, in a beautiful room overlooking the main plaza. Everyone gathered around 6 pm, schmoozing began immediately of course (business cards flying about everywhere, perky attitudes, and strained necks to see who might be there that you recognized!), wine and champagne flowed freely, and oh yes, of course the indefatigable Placido Domingo showed up, too! He is "truly the artist who needs no introduction," Opera America CEO and President Marc Scorca said of him during his introductory words. Domingo, who has been in the opera world for about half a century now in various capacities encouraged all those present to use these days to "discuss" and come up with new ways of thinking and talking about opera, the ultimate art form. Marc Stern, Chairman and CEO of LA Opera noted that opera fans are the craziest bunch of fans ever... except the Lakers! We at The Opera Insider certainly believe, and hope, that to be true.
7 months ago
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