Khori Dastoor, who performed professionally as a lyric soprano and who now is the executive director of Houston Grand Opera, knows what the biggest challenge is for HGO right now. Opera Interruptus. Or in other words, people who for the last few years didn't go because of the devastation wrought...
Khori Dastoor, who performed professionally as a lyric soprano and who now is the executive director of Houston Grand Opera, knows what the biggest challenge is for HGO right now.Or in other words, people who for the last few years didn't go because of the devastation wrought by Hurricane Harvey that moved the opera's base of operations from the comfortable Wortham Theater Center to folding chairs in a third floor, auditorily-challenged room at the George R.
Her love of music started at an early age with children's choir."Through that I sang in many operas," she says."I guess it was my first exposure to music and performing arts was being part of a professional opera company and the feeling of what that is backstage and the kind of virtuosity it requires from so many different people contributing to one larger picture. I suppose I fell in love with it very early.
"I also think that people don't know that opera singers aren’t paid to rehearse and so if an opera singer spends six weeks preparing a role and then were to catch bronchitis and not be able to sing at any of the performances, they would actually not receive any compensation. At Houston Grand Opera, I'm proud to say, we support our artists as best we can but industry practice is you're only paid the minute you step on stage with an audience.
"Houston is a young and vibrant place with people who are intellectually curious and people who have money to spend on self enrichment and intellectual pursuit and so we feel like there's a tremendous amount of opportunity for us to take those challenges and to use them as motivation to diversify our programming and be a model not just for the future of opera on the stage but the future of opera in the house.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Carey Mulligan Looks Grand Opera Ready in a Velvety Black Mermaid Gown at the 2024 OscarsThe British actress’ debut film was 2005’s “Pride & Prejudice,” co-starring Kiera Knightley. But it was 2009’s “An Education” that gave Carey Mulligan her Hollywood breakthrough, receiving her first Oscar and Golden Globe nominations. Here’s why the “Promising Young Woman” star stands out from the rest.
Read more »
Houston weather: Hail expected in Houston-area through SundayHeavy rain, frequent lighting, strong winds and hail expected through Sunday evening in Houston.
Read more »
Houston council members raise questions over long-awaited contract for Houston firefightersDeal may not be done until June
Read more »
Houston shooting: Woman killed in evening shooting in SE Houston, police investigatingHouston police are investigating after a deadly shooting in southeast Houston on Sunday evening.
Read more »
Houston firefighters react to settlement agreement with City of HoustonMayor John Whitmire announces historic $650 million settlement with Houston Professional Firefighters’ Association, ending years-long impasse over pay and ensuring eight years of back pay and raises for firefighters.
Read more »
Missing Houston woman Christina Johnson found near the University of Houston with her dogMax was found last Friday, 7.7 miles away in a neighborhood on Cedar Creek Drive as violent storms rolled through the area.
Read more »