Wrecking the Opera House (3)

The article Rocking The Opera House by Lou Bondì is the opinion of a culture-greenhorn.

The cradle of classic opera and Broadway musicals is the Greek theatre. Storytelling (morality plays) was Athens' speciality. The performers had to be skilled in dancing (on the orchestra, the round dance floor), singing (chorus) and acting; one needed a good voice to be heard.

The performers (all male like in Japanese Kabuki) wore masks to portray the characters involved. Musical contests were held in Delphi and athletic contests in Olympia. We owe the ancient Greeks a lot.

The Philadelphia Academy of Music was once adequate for opera "and" concert performances. Today, the Academy (an architectural icon as well) is used for opera and the newly-built Kimmel Center for grand concerts and smaller ensembles. Elton John played at the inauguration!

If Malta has a mere opera buff audience of 700, it's perhaps because nothing is worse than listening and watching a poor opera performance.

It's a good idea to promote cosmopolitan culture to the public in a suitable setting. And if no generous benefactor shows up, like Mr Kimmel, to finance this endeavour, then the government should, as in Vienna. The State Opera House is a gem and performances are always sold out.