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I am the director of the Columbia Theatre in Longview and an avid consumer of arts programming (especially dance). However, in programming for my audience I have to constantly remind myself that I am an "insider" -- meaning I have far more exposure to live performing arts than many ticket buyers. I am not pedestrian in my choice of programming and will bring in artists that ask my audience to try something a little different.

In 2005 I discovered the East Village Opera Company (where Opera meets Rock)Classic arias by Puccini, Verdi, Purcell and other composers performed with a dose of Led Zepplin and Metallica-inspired orchestrations (10 performers including a string quartet). Their objective is to bring opera into the 21st Century. EVOC has performed at the NYC Opera Gala for two years running.

Three Washington presenters got together to bring EVOC to the Pacific Northwest: Bremerton, Yakima and Longview. Without a doubt it risks alienating opera "purists" and flying right over the heads of contemporary audiences. But our mission is to find that nexus between generations and encourage a different audience to participate. I chose to do this at some financial risk but I believe the exposure is critical. Our performance is Tuesday 9/30 and we have been working very hard to introduce people to this unique experience.

I will have at least 102 students from area high schools attending -- on their own-- on a school night--because they were "turned on" by a group that speaks to them.

For all my exposure and training, it took me 13 years of listening to Texaco Radio broadcasts of the Metropolitan Opera on Saturdays before I attended my first live performance. Hopefully, it will not take these students 13 years for the transition to active participant as an audience member.

Thank you.

Visit www.tdn.com (today) for indepth interview/article that explains this groups refreshing approach to Opera.

Gian Paul Morelli
Executive Director
Columbia Theatre, Longview, WA
360.423.1011 Ext. 15

posted 4 years, 8 months ago
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