Reviews of Performances and their Audiences
My reflection on David Gockley's time as general director of San Francisco Opera is on KQED Arts.
I talked to a ton of people for this piece, and it was amusing to hear so many different stories and opinions. Definitely kept in mind the comments I've heard from readers of this blog, so thank you all for your help.
Well done. And I loved the phrase, “a certain flirtatious way about him…”
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Thank you, Michael!
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His recent remarks about that awful modern opera have seriously affected my respect for him and his musical judgment, I’m afraid.
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I laughed when he mentioned whether or not you would play an opera at dinner as a suitable test for new pieces. Can’t imagine trying to eat and listen to Nixon in China, though my friends did sing part of “News” at French Laundry one time.
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I have no idea what you’re talking about.
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I agree with you. Gockley needed to balance the popular Puccini repertoire with one or two production of modern stuff and everything else. If you put things on the scale, he was a giant of the American opera. He will be missed. Tough shoes to follow.
The Handel operas were great, Boito’s Mefistofole, Flying Dutchman, Makropulos Case come to mind. The only thing I missed was Strauss.
The only thing I ask is to keep the regietheaters in Europe.
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Likely story.
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Thank you, Roberto.
I also really loved Die Tote Stadt, to add to your list. Looking forward to Jenufa next summer.
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The Opera Tattler 
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