This book gives the entire history of the start of the 'city opera' culture and the start of NY's first such performance centre, its progression, money / union / artistic problems, the mushrooming of its copies in other cities, and its closure and regeneration in NY.

Thanks to the publisher for the ARC.

A fun, fast-moving history of the 'people's opera' in New York City. From a depression-era culture initiative to a cultural force in New York City, Waleson covers the financial woes, helpful benefactors, and creative management ideas that kept this institution running for over 70 years. A unique insight into the impossible odds arts organizations face, and the messy, joyful personalities that keep them alive.

I wanted to perform a death scene on stage while singing a tortured aria, because my heart was so broken after reading Mad Scenes and Exit Arias: The Death of the New York City Opera and the Future of Opera in America. I come from Cincinnati, where our storied opera company used to perform at the Cincinnati Zoo, where elephants once duetting with coloraturas. And a good friend’s son directs our current opera crew, so this totally engrossing account hit close to home.

Heidi Waleson, Wall Street Journal opera critic, offers a stunning narrative history of New York City Opera’s bankruptcy and what it portends for the future of the arts. Beautifully written and extensively researched, Mad Scenes and Exit Arias views the opera’s demise as not just the loss of a beloved institution, but as a harbinger of what’s to come, with lessons learned about needed change for cultural institutions to thrive. Highly recommended for all opera buffs and those concerned about the future of arts in our country. 5/5

Pub Date 02 Oct 2018

Thanks to Henry Holt & Company and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinions are fully mine.

#MadScenesAndExitArias #NetGalley

A fascinating and gossipy look at the life and death of the New York City Opera, which folded due to financial difficulties. Will be most interesting to classical music fans and East Coast arts supporters.