Opera News
Fort Worth Opera lures the legendary Plácido Domingo to head new council
In glamorous arts news, Fort Worth Opera has created a new artistic advisory council and tapped international opera star Plácido Domingo to lead it.
The legendary singer will head up the National Artistic Council, which the organization says in a release will be composed of renowned artists, classical musicians, and directors who "will provide ongoing support and guidance to Fort Worth Opera regarding artistic endeavors and educational programs that impact the city of Fort Worth."
This all comes five months after the company suddenly terminated Darren K. Woods, its general director of 16 years. Woods had built a reputation for innovation based on championing new works, establishing the works-in-progress Frontiers program, and reviving the festival format that the company has been using since 2007. A search for his replacement is ongoing.
Domingo is currently the general director at Los Angeles Opera, having branched out from singing to also become a respected conductor and arts administrator. The Spanish star famously formed the Three Tenors with Luciano Pavarotti and José Carreras, has nine Grammy Awards, and sang the role of Man in the Moon in Baz Luhrmann's film Moulin Rouge.
The release says that he and the new council will also help keep Fort Worth Opera up to date on trends in the opera world, make singer and repertoire recommendations, act as liaisons to other professionals in the industry, and receive and evaluate input from the local community. Special note is made about "crafting long-range strategic plans" that will line up with current initiatives, such as Noches de Ópera, the company's four-year celebration of Spanish-language operas, Latino culture, and heritage.
"I am honored to be named chairman of the Fort Worth Opera National Artistic Council," says Domingo in the release. "As the company enters an exciting new era, I am thrilled to join my fellow artists in guiding Fort Worth Opera’s bright and hopeful future. Together, with your support, we can continue the company’s proud tradition of innovation and artistic excellence for generations to come.”
A recently launched summer campaign, titled FWOpera FOREWORD, is already capitalizing on Domingo's celebrity by stating that "the maestro encourages the public to give generously as the company moves forward."
Founded in 1946, Fort Worth Opera is the oldest continually performing opera company in Texas and one of the 14 oldest opera companies in the United States. The 2018 season includes Wagner’s fantasy epic Das Rheingold; Astor Piazzolla’s immersive "tango opera" María de Buenos Aires; and Donizetti’s bel canto comedy Don Pasquale, set in the golden age of Hollywood.
Tickets are available online here, by calling 817-731-0726, or in person at the box office in Fort Worth's Tindall Square at 505 Pecan St., Ste. 100.
