What's happened
Heartbeat Opera, founded by music director Schlosberg and artistic director Ashworth, is thriving with a budget exceeding $1 million. The company focuses on reimagining classic operas in intimate settings, maintaining a modest schedule while achieving critical acclaim and sold-out performances. Their innovative adaptations resonate with contemporary audiences.
What's behind the headline?
Unique Approach to Opera
- Intimate Performances: Heartbeat Opera's choice to perform in small venues enhances the audience's experience, allowing them to feel the emotional weight of the performances up close.
- Reimagining Classics: The company focuses on adaptations that reflect contemporary issues, such as portraying Beethoven's 'Fidelio' with voices of incarcerated individuals and reinterpreting Tchaikovsky's 'Eugene Onegin' to include LGBTQ+ themes.
- Sustainable Growth: By maintaining a modest schedule and avoiding rapid expansion, Heartbeat Opera prioritizes artistic excellence over financial growth, a strategy endorsed by industry leaders like Marc Scorca of Opera America.
- Critical Acclaim: Their innovative productions have garnered positive reviews and sold-out performances, indicating a successful connection with modern audiences.
This approach not only revitalizes classic operas but also makes them relevant to today's societal conversations, ensuring that the art form remains vibrant and engaging.
What the papers say
According to the South China Morning Post, Heartbeat Opera's artistic director Jacob Ashworth emphasizes their ambition to deliver 'big opera in a small space,' a sentiment echoed by AP News, which highlights their successful adaptations of classics. The Independent notes the company's focus on storytelling that resonates with contemporary audiences, while Bloomberg's coverage of John Adams reflects a broader context of challenges faced by contemporary composers, contrasting with Heartbeat's thriving model. Each source underscores the innovative spirit of Heartbeat Opera, showcasing how they navigate the complexities of modern opera while maintaining artistic integrity.
How we got here
Founded in 2015, Heartbeat Opera emerged during a challenging time for many opera companies. With a vision to present 'big opera in a small space,' they have carved a niche by performing in venues with limited seating, allowing for a more personal connection between performers and audiences.
Go deeper
- What are some recent productions by Heartbeat Opera?
- How does Heartbeat Opera differ from traditional opera companies?
- What themes do they explore in their adaptations?
Common question
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What is Heartbeat Opera and How Did It Start?
Heartbeat Opera is redefining the opera experience by bringing classic performances to intimate venues. Founded in 2015, this innovative company has quickly gained recognition for its unique approach to storytelling and audience engagement. Below, we explore common questions about Heartbeat Opera, its significance in the opera world, and how it connects with contemporary audiences.
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