David Walker, Managing Director, Palm Beach Opera

Increasingly opera companies are turning to the very artists that perform on their stages for assistance in running their organizations. While  Placido Domingo might be one of the most famous artists, having served both the Washington National Opera and Los Angeles Opera, other artists are making an impact in today's opera companies. Renee Fleming is an artistic advisor to the Lyric Opera of Chicago, Jennifer Rivera is serving as a Director for Artistic Development at the Center for Contemporary Opera, Lawrence Brownlee is serving as an artistic advisor for Opera Philadelphia. 

 

While these artists are focusing their talents on providing artistic consultation still others are using their talents to improve an organization's bottom line. David Walker is one such artist who has transitioned from the operatic stage to the Managing Director at Palm Beach Opera.

Special events are playing a larger role in today's nonprofit organization. From unique patron experiences to more traditional,  special events are responsible for raising more and more revenue for the organization. Auctions, both silent and live, are more important than ever as they provide both a way to raise revenue quickly and be a form of entertainment for the audience at the same time. Yet many organizations have little information to help them effectively plan their event and rely often on untrained amateurs instead of professionals.

Melissa is the president and owner of Reppert Auction School, continuing the education of auctioneers since 1921.  She is a third generation auctioneer associated with Christy’s of Indiana, Inc., one of the largest auction galleries in the state. She joined the auction business in 2003 as a managing broker for Christy’s real estate division.  She earned both REALTOR and Businesswoman of the Year awards from the Indianapolis chapter of Women’s Council of REALTORS®.  She serves as a consultant and benefit auctioneer for various non-profit organizations.  Christy’s is best known for their weekly “market day” style auctions, in which Melissa is the only female auctioneer on staff.  In July 2016, Melissa had the opportunity to compete in the International Auctioneering Championship, finishing in the top 7 of the best female bid callers worldwide.  She is a past president of the Indiana Auctioneer’s Association.

In the performing arts world there are those who perform for audiences in concert halls, as a soloist or musician in an orchestra. Behind the scenes there are an equally important group who possess the expertise  to maintain the instruments those artists play. I'm talking about the role of luthiers. These craftsmen design, build and repair string instruments.

In our latest conversation we spend time with Chris Ulbricht, Ted Skreko and professional violinist Laura Barcelo. We talk about the craft of being a luthier. How the instruments that we have come to know in the modern orchestra came into being and the role that technology is playing in their craft.

In September Ned Canty, the General Director of Opera Memphis presented a talk at TedEx Memphis that got us all thinking about how our audiences approach opera. Now in his fifth year leading Opera Memphis, he and his team have a repertory based on 60% contemporary American Opera. He also began an innovative program to bring opera into the community, 30 Days of Opera, that has gone on to win awards.

Join me for a conversation with Ned Canty.

Stage Director Eric Einhorn is one of the foremost storytelling directors for the operatic stage today. Balancing a career at the Metropolitan Opera, projects for regional companies including Atlanta Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Pittsburgh Opera, Indianapolis Opera while leading his own company Onsite Opera in New York, Eric has carefully cultivated a balance between artistic and creative freedom while maintaining a rich family life. 

During our time together we talk about the changing path directors take in their careers, the balance between work and family life as well as the many projects that keep him creatively engaged.

How do you become a manager of artists? What is it like to deal with artists and the organizations that employ them? How is the world of artist management changing?

For over 12 years Kristin Cowdin has been identifying and nurturing some of the world's best operatic talent. This past Septmeber after eleven years managing artists for others, she began her own boutique artist management company, Sempre Artists. Join us as we explore the changing world of artist managment.