Sometimes the complex mathematics of power is almost indistinguishable from the simple arithmetic of age. Take the Canadian Opera Company for example.
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The COC was shepherded to safe haven in its House for All Seasons by the indefatigable Richard Bradshaw bearing the double burden of General Director and Music Director heroically up the hill. His passing sent shock waves of loss that still reverberate. The COC started the process of filling the organizational void with the appointment as General Director of Alexander Neef in June 2008. Hiring a new Music Director, the 34-year old Neef announced, would be top priority. January 7, at the COC’s 09/10 season launch, Neef announced “proudly” that the search was over. Johannes Debus, also 34 years old, would be the COC’s new Music Director, commencing with the 2009 season, with tenure till 2012/13. |
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So, thirty four plus thirty four equals sixty plus.
Please do not mistake my irreverence for disrespect. Richard Bradshaw’s legacy is beyond dispute. And I really think he would have approved. What could have been worse right now than one of those drawn-out audition processes, bringing likely Music Directors in to conduct, one production at a time, over the course of a year or two (with one of the better opera orchestras around pining for a boss)?
Instead swift action, and rapturously received, I might add, albeit by a highly involved crowd. Granted, this is not your “So did you hear the Leafs traded for Debus” water-cooler stuff. I didn’t remember Debus by name from War and Peace in the fall but I sure remember the music and the rapport. Funny, the launch also had a “well-conducted” feel to it.
Will the COC’s two 34s be the formula for the times?
That’s something to follow.
