Strange goings on at the Royal Opera House.

[Stanfordian]

On Norman Lebrecht's website 'Slipped Disc' the following article appeared:

"We hear that a small party of six or seven privileged patrons was seen walking across the ROH stage behind the cast and chorus last night as Placido Domingo was taking his bows in I due Foscari."

http://slippedisc.com/2014/10/sponsors-take-a-curtain-call-at-covent-garden/

I don't think it was Monday night I attended the cinema showing of Verdi's I due Foscari. It makes you wonder how desperate an opera company can get in its search for funding.

[Flosshilde]

At least they weren't taking part in the performance.

[pastoralguy]

At least they weren't taking part in the performance.

Not yet... But if the austerity continues...!

[Flosshilde]

Scottish Opera has raised funds by asking people to sponsor elements of a production - from individual characters to props.

[pastoralguy]

Scottish Opera has raised funds by asking people to sponsor elements of a production - from individual characters to props.

That grinding noise we hear is Sir Alexander Gibson spinning in his grave...

[MrGongGong]

Scottish Opera has raised funds by asking people to sponsor elements of a production - from individual characters to props.

And the problem with this is ?

[gradus]

Amex boasts that it can not only get tickets for top gigs, but also in a few cases also get you or your kids back stage to meet the performers. No idea what this costs but I bet it isn't free. Presumably the ROH visitors were availing themselves of a similar scheme?
The ROH (ex Floral Hall) escalator wall has always listed hundreds of sponsors albeit of the large-scale corporate kind, as do many other concert halls and theatres. In return the sponsors get free seats, is Scottish Opera offering the same?

[Flosshilde]

And the problem with this is ?

Did I say there was a problem?

[Flosshilde]

Amex boasts that it can not only get tickets for top gigs, but also in a few cases also get you or your kids back stage to meet the performers. No idea what this costs but I bet it isn't free. Presumably the ROH visitors were availing themselves of a similar scheme?
The ROH (ex Floral Hall) escalator wall has always listed hundreds of sponsors albeit of the large-scale corporate kind, as do many other concert halls and theatres. In return the sponsors get free seats, is Scottish Opera offering the same?

They haven't done it recently; I think, depending on the level of sponsorship you got to go to a reception with performers, possibly a free seat, a mention in the programme etc. I think the reception was if you sponsored the lead character, for example.

When the Kelvingrove gallery was refurbished a substantial part of the cost was raised from donations from the public (the Kelvingrove is more than just a museum to Glaswegians); everybody had their name engraved on brass panels fixed to the pillars in the central hall, in strict alphabetical order however much (or little) they gave.

[Flosshilde]

And the problem with this is ?

I'm not very good at guessing games at this time of night - why don't you just tell me the answer?

[MrGongGong]

I'm not very good at guessing games at this time of night - why don't you just tell me the answer?

I don't think there is one
But mr pastoral might think there is ??

[LHC]

As this story comes from Norman Lebrecht, there is no guarantee that this actually happened.

[Flosshilde]

As this story comes from Norman Lebrecht, there is no guarantee that this actually happened.

I was listening to Eine Alpensinfonie last night & noticed that the portrait of Strauss in the booklet was from the 'Lebrecht Collection'. Does that mean that it might not be Strauss?

[french frank]

As this story comes from Norman Lebrecht, there is no guarantee that this actually happened.

This is what the ROH site says:

"Support a production and become involved in the creative process leading up to the opening night of your favourite opera or ballet.

As a Production Supporter you will be invited to attend closed working rehearsals, meet with artists and members of the creative teams and visit our technical departments. You could also experience the thrill of watching a performance from the wings of the Royal Opera House stage and see the artists take their curtain calls.

As a Role Supporter, you will be invited to watch the artist in your chosen role prepare for their performances and meet them backstage during the rehearsal process."

It doesn't actually mention that they would be able to troop on stage and get the experience of taking a bow.

It's a fundraising stunt. I support fundraising which taps into the generosity of those who benefit from the productions. I donate to WNO, I don't want my name printed anywhere (not that it would be for a fiver a month) and I'm not specially keen on any additional benefits - other than perhaps the restoration of the visit to Bristol which has been dropped.

I'd feel extremely silly walking across the stage behind the performers but, yes, did it happen? Did the six or seven privileged patrons who gave very significant sums want the visible recognition and insist on being able to walk across the stage behind Placido Domingo? In which case <sigh> - but we know the wrong people have all the money anyway

[Stanfordian]

I was listening to Eine Alpensinfonie last night & noticed that the portrait of Strauss in the booklet was from the 'Lebrecht Collection'. Does that mean that it might not be Strauss?

Hiya Flosshilde, I know that Norman Lebrecht has a large collection of photographs of musicians.