Overview

Visionary director Yuval Sharon has been celebrated as one of the world's most innovative opera impresarios, yet he has never adhered to traditional form, observing that most operas ""suffer the dull edge of routine in unimaginative and woefully under-rehearsed productions."" Sharon seeks to disrupt conventions by urging the performance of opera in ""non-spaces"" like parking lots; amplifying voices; and even performing classic works in reverse order. Surveying the role of opera in America and drawing on his experiences from Berlin to Los Angeles, Sharon lays out his vision for an ""anti-elite opera,"" which celebrates the imagination and challenges the status quo. Refusing to believe that opera is dying, Sharon maintains that opera has always existed in a perpetual cycle of death and rebirth. Engaging and accessible, A New Philosophy of Opera, with its advocacy of opera as an ""enchanted space"" and its revolutionary message, promises to be one of the liveliest opera books in years.

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9781631496868

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Reviews

"Imagine the book Jimi Hendrix might have written about the blues. That's what Yuval Sharon, a virtuoso practitioner with a boundless imagination, has done for opera. His New Philosophy emerges from the genre's deepest roots and takes us on an exhilarating journey toward a nearly utopic future. This book, which also vividly captures the experience of Sharon's productions, convinces me this future is not only possible--it's already happening.--Osvaldo Golijov, composer of Ainadamar Yuval Sharon is one of the most inspiring opera directors on the planet today and a remarkable 'mensch.' Yuval's fresh examination of what can be done to make the art form more relevant and alive for the next generation is essential for anyone who treasures music, theater, and opera!--Gustavo Dudamel, music and artistic director, Los Angeles Philharmonic Sharon argues convincingly that opera has to get out of opulent concert halls and find alternatives to its image of elitism, an approach that he is pioneering with his work in Detroit.... Sharon provides an authoritative view of how opera can and must return to its dynamic, populist roots.-- ""Kirkus Reviews"" A New Philosophy of Opera?is the must-have guide that focuses on the 'how' and 'why' of opera today.?Through care and vision, Yuval Sharon pulls back the curtain to showcase how collaborative efforts and talents lead to one of the most beautiful and compelling modes of storytelling.?Recognizing that opera has an elitist problem, Sharon invites everyone in.?He not only welcomes all to engage with a genre that can speak directly to the heart, mind, and soul--he provides a map to bring us there.--Naomi Andr�, author of Black Opera: History, Power, Engagement Yuval Sharon has written a timely prescription for the challenges that opera faces, and he is exactly the right person to do it. With A New Philosophy of Opera, Sharon applies the bracing creativity evident in his innovative stagings to a broader question: How can a centuries-old art form remain relevant and vibrant, today and in the future? If you care about opera, or are just curious about its meaning now, this book is essential reading.--Ren�e Fleming, author of Music and Mind"

"Sharon argues convincingly that opera has to get out of opulent concert halls and find alternatives to its image of elitism, an approach that he is pioneering with his work in Detroit.... Sharon provides an authoritative view of how opera can and must return to its dynamic, populist roots.-- ""Kirkus Reviews"""

"Imagine the book Jimi Hendrix might have written about the blues. That's what Yuval Sharon, a virtuoso practitioner with a boundless imagination, has done for opera. His New Philosophy emerges from the genre's deepest roots and takes us on an exhilarating journey toward a nearly utopic future. This book, which also vividly captures the experience of Sharon's productions, convinces me this future is not only possible--it's already happening.--Osvaldo Golijov, composer of Ainadamar This book builds a compelling roadmap for the future of opera, and how it can truly be accessible for everyone.--Gustavo Dudamel Yuval Sharon is one of the most inspiring opera directors on the planet today and a remarkable 'mensch.' Yuval's fresh examination of what can be done to make the art form more relevant and alive for the next generation is essential for anyone who treasures music, theater, and opera!--Gustavo Dudamel, music and artistic director, Los Angeles Philharmonic Sharon argues convincingly that opera has to get out of opulent concert halls and find alternatives to its image of elitism, an approach that he is pioneering with his work in Detroit.... Sharon provides an authoritative view of how opera can and must return to its dynamic, populist roots.-- ""Kirkus Reviews"" A New Philosophy of Opera?is the must-have guide that focuses on the 'how' and 'why' of opera today.?Through care and vision, Yuval Sharon pulls back the curtain to showcase how collaborative efforts and talents lead to one of the most beautiful and compelling modes of storytelling.?Recognizing that opera has an elitist problem, Sharon invites everyone in.?He not only welcomes all to engage with a genre that can speak directly to the heart, mind, and soul--he provides a map to bring us there.--Naomi Andr�, author of Black Opera: History, Power, Engagement Yuval Sharon has written a timely prescription for the challenges that opera faces, and he is exactly the right person to do it. With A New Philosophy of Opera, Sharon applies the bracing creativity evident in his innovative stagings to a broader question: How can a centuries-old art form remain relevant and vibrant, today and in the future? If you care about opera, or are just curious about its meaning now, this book is essential reading.--Ren�e Fleming, author of Music and Mind"

Author Information

Yuval Sharon is an opera director and a MacArthur Fellow. He founded The Industry in Los Angeles, where he directed new operas in moving cars and train stations. As artistic director of Detroit Opera, he has transformed the company into a premiere destination for progressive opera.

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