Apropos to my recent post QUALITY COACHING, I might add that if you look at the history of the Metropolitan Opera, for example, I believe you will see a certain pattern.
What I mean is, when the MET was formed, how many Native Americans were truly involved? I believe not so many. Immigrants front he UK and the European continent were the ones most heavily involved at the MET.
How many American stars were there in the early years? Hardly any. It took a couple generations to make it not only an international opera house of great stature, but also for Americans to find larger niches in the companies not only as artists, but in other capacities.
What I mean is, when the MET was formed, how many Native Americans were truly involved? I believe not so many. Immigrants front he UK and the European continent were the ones most heavily involved at the MET.
How many American stars were there in the early years? Hardly any. It took a couple generations to make it not only an international opera house of great stature, but also for Americans to find larger niches in the companies not only as artists, but in other capacities.
If you look at China today, they now have a fantastic theater complex in Beijing: the NCPA.
I think sometimes the 'propaganda machine' in China makes the NCPA on the level of the MET. This is not so and will not happen for a generation.
However, if the central government wants to go forward, and at an accelerated pace, then both now and in the foreseeable future they need more Westerners involved in coaching, training, and leading artists. This may offend cultural sensitivities, but it is the only way to truly bring the NCPA and the level of performance in China up to an acceptable standard.
Also, if Western people can go in and present quality productions, this can also be a benchmark to which local singers and producers can aspire.
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