Anthony Roth Costanzo was hired as general director and president of Opera Philadelphia on Thursday and will continue his career as a leading countertenor while managing an ambitious company dealing with post-pandemic economic challenges.
“Even though I’m an opera singer, it’s my job to ensure the health of the art form that I love,” he said in an interview this week. “And the other side of the coin is that I’m frustrated with opera and always failing to innovate in ways that I think can help it grow. So, that’s something I’ve been working towards for a long time. building a skill set, and I’m waiting for an opportunity that feels right.”
Constanzo, who turns 42 on May 8, will start on June 1 and will replace David Dion, who In charge is retiring after 13 seasons.. Music director Corrado Rovares is under contract until 2026-27.
Opera Philadelphia dropped its flagship season-opening festival for 2024-25, which began in 2017, and cut next season’s budget by $10 million — $1,275,000 of which is estimated to come from ticket revenue. There will be only three mainstage productions, beginning with US Premiere of Missy Mazzoli’s “The Listeners.” On September 25
“They kept it lean this season, which gives me some wiggle room if I’m able to bring in more resources,” Constanzo said. “I really feel like one of the future visions that we can develop at Opera Philadelphia is the idea of strategic partnerships and collaborations that help us pool resources and spread our wings outside of the world of opera. “
Costanzo raised funds for “Glass Handel,” an art installation at the Barnes Foundation in Philadelphia as part of the O18 Festival that featured the music of Philip Glass and George Frideric Handel. It included videos, live painting and dance.
“I put together the idea and the creative team, and then I did the budget,” he said in an interview this week. “I remember even driving a truck, a U-Haul truck with seats in it.”
Board Chairman Stephen K. Klasko said 42 people applied for the position. Costanzo impressed with “his optimism and charisma”.
“His ability to grow a lot of partner revenue for his programs was pretty incredible,” Clasko said. “We have to create new audiences that are excited about what we’re doing that aren’t necessarily coming out to see ‘Madame Butterfly.'”
Costanzo appeared this year at the Paris Opera in a new production of Thomas Edes’ “The Exterminating Angel,” headlines Gluck’s “Orfeo ed Eurydice” at the Metropolitan Opera beginning May 16, and Gregory Spears’ “The Righteous.” is in world premiere. at the Santa Fe Opera beginning July 13.
Playing an administrative role during a song is rare but not uncommon. Soprano Beverly Sills became general director of the New York City Opera in 1979 and continued to sing until the following year.
Credit : apnews.com