Tonight I went to a concert sponsored by the local Opera Company. After a few opening arias, the similarities to a 'normal' opera ended in a screeching halt. I truly enjoyed the performance (which I hadn't planned on attending until a few hours to curtain), but I did not appreciate the extremely delayed start. The posted start time for the event was 7:30 p.m.
Pause for a disclaimer...The event was one of the first events in a new concert hall. Parking is an issue and most patrons are not familiar with the building....
However, the event did not begin until 8:15 p.m. and even then the show start was preceeded by 20 minutes of curtain talks. The performers took the stage nearly an hour after the posted start time. Geesh!
True, I am accostomed to an 'orchestra' start time of 5 minutes after the posted start time. Although not a union shop, our orchestra contract has a firm start time. We respect musicians time (and want to avoid overtime payments) so we keep a firm clock, but the firm clock has cushion for a late-filling house.
When does the desire to accomodate the needs of the house balance the respect of the performers and the timely audience members? (In last night's case, the audience was seated and ready for the show by 7:45 p.m....what I would deem an acceptable late start) I have heard horror stories from other personnel managers who work with opera companies. Opera companies have a tendency to start late and pause for what seems like dinner breaks at intermission. Does the desire to respect people's time ultimately affect the audience's ability to appreciate the art? Where is the balance?
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