The Chicago Opera Theater is back with what it calls the “People’s Opera,” which I wrote about here a few weeks ago. For $1 a vote, the COT allows people to choose one of three operas that will be performed during, in this case, its spring 2011 season.
This year, COT director Brian Dickie has proposed Mozart’s Magic Flute, Richard Strauss’s Capriccio, and Shostakovich’s Moscow, Cheryomushki. Voting began yesterday and continues through 5 p.m. on June 12.
Dickie, in a press release, said “I chose these three works because each one has such a unique and diverse character, yet each fits in beautifully with COT’s distinct vision and aesthetic. I’m anxious to see what the opera fans of the world decide!”
It’s just a gimmick, but the People’s Opera does raise money and, perhaps more important, involves people in the opera. You can vote online here, after reading the plot summaries and listening to an excerpt.
Populism is certainly “in” these days — should museums and orchestras and theaters try a variation of this? Or, is there a downside to allowing people to help make artistic decisions?
I think there is — but that it can be controlled.