Save the Michigan Opera Theater

**tarkus** · August-18-09, 08:15 AM

Please help save the Michigan Opera Theater today starting at 10am by going to the www.motopera.org and clicking on the Challange Grant link.

WE NEED YOU MORE THAN EVER!!!!!!!!!!

THANK YOU

**Gistok** · August-18-09, 11:09 AM

I had lunch with Karen DiChiera on Saturday at the Detroit Opera House [[during the Preservation Wayne Historic Movie Palace Tours)... and she did mention that the big donors [[such as the auto companies) had cut back or eliminated their donations, so these matching grants are a great way to help out the MOT and Detroit Opera House during these trying times.

All employees have taken payless paydays in the past year to help ends meet. But I don't think that MOT/DOH is in any danger of losing their magnificent building... just some of their world class shows and community projects.

Another way to help is to frequent the Detroit Opera House Garage during downtown visits.

**KyleM785** · August-18-09, 12:14 PM

Yeah this really is a great cause! As a fan of the detroit opera house it is important to stand behind them and to support them during this rough time. Those who know the Detroit Opera House know it is a vital resource for our city and keeping it vibrant. All great cities have a thriving arts and cultural community, and the Detroit Opera House is part of that here.

Here are some other details:
Today, Tuesday August 18th, the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan will be matching donations 50% made to Michigan Opera Theatre through the Community Foundation website. Donations can be as small as $25, so no gift is too small. Click here to be taken to the Community Foundation website with more information on the program: http://www.cfsem.org/about-us/latest...ts-and-culture

and click here to donate: http://cfsem.guidestar.org/

Thanks so much for your help in keeping opera in this city alive.

Every little bit helps and with the matching donations they will help even more!

**Detroitnerd** · August-18-09, 12:16 PM

Rhetorical question: Why do we need opera in Detroit? Couldn't we just let it close and go on with our lives?

**rjlj** · August-18-09, 12:20 PM

Why do we need culture and the arts anyway? I have my 5th grade education, my network TV and my Fox News, why would I need anything else?

**Detroitnerd** · August-18-09, 12:25 PM

Originally Posted by rjlj

Why do we need culture and the arts anyway? I have my 5th grade education, my network TV and my Fox News, why would I need anything else?

Hold up on the reductionism. It's a valid question. How many people go to the Opera in metro Detroit? In Detroit? If Michigan Opera Theatre cannot support itself on donations and admissions, why shouldn't it go the way of the dodo? It's a fair question.

**Danny** · August-18-09, 12:28 PM

Originally Posted by rjlj

Why do we need culture and the arts anyway? I have my 5th grade education, my network TV and my Fox News, why would I need anything else?

The media from T.V. internet and movies are to blame for the decline of real visual culture. Most people will believe and stare to the idiot boxes to see how our world society views other cultures. Transmedia storytelling and collective intelligence from T.V. movies and internet are the norm in America and it would not stop until the last days.

WORD FROM THE STREET PROPHET

Since video killed the radio star, then pop culture killed the opera star.

**pffft** · August-18-09, 03:31 PM

Originally Posted by Detroitnerd

Rhetorical question: Why do we need opera in Detroit? Couldn't we just let it close and go on with our lives?

So you don't think your first comment pretty much dismisses opera?

**Detroitnerd** · August-18-09, 03:43 PM

Originally Posted by pffft

So you don't think your first comment pretty much dismisses opera?

No. I'm looking for people to articulate why we need opera in Detroit. To explain why it would be a tragedy to lose it.

It may come as something of a surprise to you, but all these well-meaning posts urging people to contribute or donate don't connect with people unless they think opera is really important. What's missing, in my estimation, from this discussion is an explanation of what makes opera vital. And so I'm trying to draw people out who can do that. [[Not to prompt pissy posts about my alleged lack of cultural appreciation.)

Is this about me? Fine: I've been to the opera. I listen to opera at home. I probably listen to more classical music than any of my friends and enjoy seeing the symphony on occasion. And even though I like the music and have gone, the thought of them going out of business doesn't make me terribly upset. So I'm asking for reasons why the general public [[in a city with so many horrible social problems) should care about these institutions. And it's a valid question. I am enjoying some of the more articulate answers.

Get it?

**Detroitnerd** · August-18-09, 03:44 PM

Oh, wait. I see now that I identified it as a rhetorical question. So, no, it's not dismissive at all.

**tarkus** · August-18-09, 12:45 PM

FUNDS ARE STILL AVAILABLE, PLEASE DONATE.
www.cfsem.guidestar.org

**Detroit500** · August-18-09, 01:01 PM

Opera is good for Detroit. Michigan Opera Theatre is good for Detroit. David DiChiera, and his creation of Michigan Opera Theatre have had a profound impact on the city. The Opera House helps lure people into the city. Right now more affluent individuals do not want to live in the city, because they do not feel that the city has something for them. However, these individuals do very much enjoy going to the Opera House or the Symphony [[another struggling organization at the moment). When these people come downtown, they typically not only see the show, but also get dinner [[which is also good for the restaurants in the area).

These are also the types of people who are going to be most interested in moving into the loft apartments in the downtown area. The downtown area will appeal to them due to it's relative safety, and also the fact that it could potentially be close to their work, but most primarily that it has amenities that they enjoy.

As for the idea that cultural groups like the Opera House don't fill a vital role in the community, while their role may not be as pronounced in a direct way such as the United Way, these groups provide for significant opportunities for the community. The Opera House also coordinates a significant amount of education outreach programs. They go into the schools, as well as have programs for children and adults hosted at the Opera House.

When Detroit Opera House premiered Margaret Garner a few years ago, the national press was here in Detroit. For once the New York Times wasn't writing an article taking place in Detroit to lament the degradation, or demise, but rather it was here talking about a new work of art, that happened to be premiered in Detroit.

Detroit Opera House also provided for one of the most wonderful stories about preservation/restoration in Detroit during the 90s. They saved one of our dilapidated theaters, and turned it into a working performance hall space.

Detroit Opera House actually more so than most Opera Houses tries very hard to be part of the community, more so than most artistic organizations try to incorporate themselves into their communities.

**Detroitnerd** · August-19-09, 08:50 AM

Originally Posted by Detroit500

The Opera House helps lure people into the city. Right now more affluent individuals do not want to live in the city, because they do not feel that the city has something for them. However, these individuals do very much enjoy going to the Opera House or the Symphony [[another struggling organization at the moment). When these people come downtown, they typically not only see the show, but also get dinner [[which is also good for the restaurants in the area).

I'm sort of ambivalent about this reason, though. I mean, for years and years, I've been hearing that we've got to get suburbanites downtown, and so we've used a tremendous amount of our tax monies to build new stadia, build entertainment complexes -- some successful [[Max), some struggling [[DSO, MOT), some doomed [[Ford Auditorium) -- and to give low-cost loans to luxury restauranteurs. And, frankly, in a city with some of the most rotten neighborhoods in the country, it's always been something of an insult that the city's limited resources get so often plugged into downtown. All so that we can "lure" suburbanites down there, and create a fantasyland for them, where they can drive in, park, dine, go to a show, and then get the hell out of dodge.

Originally Posted by Detroit500

These are also the types of people who are going to be most interested in moving into the loft apartments in the downtown area. The downtown area will appeal to them due to it's relative safety, and also the fact that it could potentially be close to their work, but most primarily that it has amenities that they enjoy.

Now I know this is an accepted strategy: Build entertainment downtown. Guys from think tanks will tell you to do that. But I have my doubts. Maybe it's the incredible divide we have here. Maybe it's the way we do it. But I can't help it. As much as I like classical or opera, I often see these things as colonial outposts of the ancien regime, as cultural millstones we are obligated to support despite much more pressing needs. Is it unreasonable to harbor these doubts?

Originally Posted by Detroit500

As for the idea that cultural groups like the Opera House don't fill a vital role in the community, while their role may not be as pronounced in a direct way such as the United Way, these groups provide for significant opportunities for the community. The Opera House also coordinates a significant amount of education outreach programs. They go into the schools, as well as have programs for children and adults hosted at the Opera House.

Not to discount any noble motives among the people involved, or to say that young people don't benefit, but: Isn't this just so much PR frosting? Whenever people tell me to think of the children, my BS detector redlines.

Originally Posted by Detroit500

When Detroit Opera House premiered Margaret Garner a few years ago, the national press was here in Detroit. For once the New York Times wasn't writing an article taking place in Detroit to lament the degradation, or demise, but rather it was here talking about a new work of art, that happened to be premiered in Detroit.

But, by the same token, most of the stuff that develops organically, from the ground up, gives the national press many reasons to speak well of Detroit. Rock, rap, urban farmers and all other sorts of people regularly attract good press for Detroit. And it's not just stuff that happens to premiere here, it's stuff that's integral to the city, our experiences here, not something imposed from above.

Originally Posted by Detroit500

Detroit Opera House also provided for one of the most wonderful stories about preservation/restoration in Detroit during the 90s. They saved one of our dilapidated theaters, and turned it into a working performance hall space.

All these doubts I still have, but I am glad they are a solid tenant downtown, and I love the interior of the place. [[The exterior, um ...) This may be their best contribution, giving new purpose to a grand old moviehouse. So, on the basis of that reason alone, I think it's worth it to make a donation to keep the opera there. [[And maybe one for the symphony while we're at it.)

See? It wasn't so hard to listen to somebody's doubts, was it? Sort of like "engaging the community."

**kraig** · August-19-09, 09:26 AM

It's difficult to become interested in something if it's not there. Therefore, I plan on giving what support I can. I'm glad this thread was posted. It was the reminder I needed to purchase tickets to Phantom of the Opera.

Gistok, you appear to have a good relationship with the nice people over at the Opera House. I don't know if they're listed as a resource for the various movie productions that are coming to Michigan. If not, they should do so. A place like the Opera house that is centrally located is a location manager's best friend.

Additionally, they possess a level of expertise amongst the people working there that is very unique in the area. There is plenty of grant money available for artists and crew production training. They should take advantage of it. Just a thought.

**Detroit500** · August-19-09, 10:52 AM

Originally Posted by Detroitnerd

I'm sort of ambivalent about this reason, though. I mean, for years and years, I've been hearing that we've got to get suburbanites downtown, and so we've used a tremendous amount of our tax monies to build new stadia, build entertainment complexes -- some successful [[Max), some struggling [[DSO, MOT), some doomed [[Ford Auditorium) -- and to give low-cost loans to luxury restauranteurs. And, frankly, in a city with some of the most rotten neighborhoods in the country, it's always been something of an insult that the city's limited resources get so often plugged into downtown. All so that we can "lure" suburbanites down there, and create a fantasyland for them, where they can drive in, park, dine, go to a show, and then get the hell out of dodge.

I think the idea is, if you continue to build up entertainment, luxury amenities, it will lure people to not just stay for the night, but also start living downtown. As a matter of fact, I remember a few times when going to the Opera House, advertisers clearly thought this strategy might work. Apartment complexes that were being built downtown were advertising on the back cover and throughout the programme.

Now I know this is an accepted strategy: Build entertainment downtown. Guys from think tanks will tell you to do that. But I have my doubts. Maybe it's the incredible divide we have here. Maybe it's the way we do it. But I can't help it. As much as I like classical or opera, I often see these things as colonial outposts of the ancien regime, as cultural millstones we are obligated to support despite much more pressing needs. Is it unreasonable to harbor these doubts?

I'm not sure I understand your point. Are you saying that entertainment should not be built downtown? Or are you saying that we should not support classical music because a gift to the Michigan Opera Theatre is a gift not to the Homeless Shelter? Sounds unreasonable, as there are a lot of people who might choose to donate to both, and still others who would never donate to one or the other. I'm also curious as to why tax dollars should go towards sports teams which raise millions of dollars for their owners, but why tax incentives should not go towards art groups.

Not to discount any noble motives among the people involved, or to say that young people don't benefit, but: Isn't this just so much PR frosting? Whenever people tell me to think of the children, my BS detector redlines.

Yes, it's not just about children, it's about the community as a whole who can benefit from these programs. Some of these members in the community happen to be children.

That's just my opinion though.

Bearinabox · August-19-09, 03:16 PM

Originally Posted by Detroitnerd

But, by the same token, most of the stuff that develops organically, from the ground up, gives the national press many reasons to speak well of Detroit. Rock, rap, urban farmers and all other sorts of people regularly attract good press for Detroit. And it's not just stuff that happens to premiere here, it's stuff that's integral to the city, our experiences here, not something imposed from above.

I don't feel that the opera is being "imposed" on Detroit. It's one cultural amenity out of many, and like most cultural amenities, it needs all the money it can get. The taxpayer dollars being given out are based on the level of community support [[they are matching people's donations), so it's not as though CFSEM is propping up some stuffy, outdated institution that nobody actually likes. Granted, much of the Opera House's programming is not uniquely reflective of the Detroit experience, but that can be said of nearly all cultural institutions in this or any other city. I happen to like art that captures the essence of Detroit, but I don't think other types of art are necessarily less valuable or less worthy of support. I don't think MOCAD should be shut down because they often feature out-of-town artists, or the DFT because they show foreign films. There is enough room here for more than one type of culture.

**Detroitnerd** · August-19-09, 03:34 PM

Originally Posted by Bearinabox

I don't feel that the opera is being "imposed" on Detroit. It's one cultural amenity out of many, and like most cultural amenities, it needs all the money it can get. The taxpayer dollars being given out are based on the level of community support [[they are matching people's donations), so it's not as though CFSEM is propping up some stuffy, outdated institution that nobody actually likes. Granted, much of the Opera House's programming is not uniquely reflective of the Detroit experience, but that can be said of nearly all cultural institutions in this or any other city. I happen to like art that captures the essence of Detroit, but I don't think other types of art are necessarily less valuable or less worthy of support. I don't think MOCAD should be shut down because they often feature out-of-town artists, or the DFT because they show foreign films. There is enough room here for more than one type of culture.

Oh, sure. I agree. I'm just saying that, when it comes to national, positive press for things in Detroit, we don't have to rely exclusively on the opera for that. In fact, we're often better off recognizing the role the small, bottom-up groups play in garnering favorable attention.

Then again, I reserve the right to complain when I feel an institution is stuffy, outdated and that too few people actually like it.

**pffft** · August-18-09, 02:35 PM

So if you're not interested in something, it should just "go away" DN?
Amazing. I am not huge on art but even I appreciate the DIA, enjoy outings there and want it to always be there and thrive.
It can sometimes take time for a listener to "lock in" and really appreciate opera, but once you do, it's amazing. And in 100 years, they will be performing Verdi. 50 Cent? Not so sure.

**Detroitnerd** · August-18-09, 03:11 PM

Originally Posted by pffft

So if you're not interested in something, it should just "go away" DN?
Amazing. I am not huge on art but even I appreciate the DIA, enjoy outings there and want it to always be there and thrive.
It can sometimes take time for a listener to "lock in" and really appreciate opera, but once you do, it's amazing. And in 100 years, they will be performing Verdi. 50 Cent? Not so sure.

You will note that I have not said whether I'm interested in opera. The question was about the interest in the city and the region right now, not about the durability of the art form.

**Detroit500** · August-18-09, 11:24 PM

Detroitnerd, I along with a few other people were happy to give you substantive answers, which you seem to have had no interest in either disagreeing with or mentioning in your subsequent posts, which I can only assume means you've hijacked this thread for the sheer purpose of being obnoxious.

**reddog289** · August-18-09, 11:35 PM

While I can say I have never been to the Opera House , One day my Girlfriend or someone else I know might want to go and drag me with them.Having never been there I just might go.Had that experience this year when I went to the DSO. I wasn't that bored, and I can say I got to see the DSO.

**Detroitnerd** · August-19-09, 08:31 AM

Originally Posted by Detroit500

Detroitnerd, I along with a few other people were happy to give you substantive answers, which you seem to have had no interest in either disagreeing with or mentioning in your subsequent posts, which I can only assume means you've hijacked this thread for the sheer purpose of being obnoxious.

Oh, bull. I've been occupied fending off pissy people. Like you...