In 1997 I began the longest and most fruitful collaboration of my professional life, with San Diego Opera Spotlight: Carmen. I careened and stumbled through that fledgling effort, but things improved quickly thanks to the patience and encouragement of the San Diego Opera staff, production crew, and artists, and over time the series became a source of pride for me and for UCSD-TV (and hopefully, for the Opera). We later expanded the portfolio with OperaTalk with Nic Reveles and Artist’s Roundtable/Stars in the Salon (also featuring the inimitable Dr. Nic) as well as occasional studio interviews, season previews, etc. Eventually I got it down to something resembling a science, or as close to science as anything theatrical can ever be.
I’ve spent much of my adult life working with and amongst artists of all stripes in just about every medium you can think of, and I can say without reservation that the people I’ve encountered at SDO are the most resourceful, dedicated, hard-working and talented group with which I’ve been privileged to associate. They were never less than gracious in welcoming me to document their process, and that’s no small thing, even in an era of omnipresent cameras. I never took their forbearance for granted, and if I sometimes proved to be an inconvenient guest, I trust they know my intentions were honorable. (I took their warnings that the curtain was about to land on my head as a good sign.)
Orson Welles observed that “If you want a happy ending, well, that depends upon where you end your story.” I end this story with heartfelt appreciation to my colleagues and, dare I say it, friends, past and present, at San Diego Opera for 17 stimulating years. (I won’t try my reader’s patience by listing everyone here, and anyway you know who you are.) I was challenged, I learned a lot, I won some awards, and I developed relationships that I hope will endure. In other words, I had a marvelous time.
So…one more “Spotlight” to go before we bring in the ghost light. I do regret not making it to 18 years, though. I was so looking forward to promoting “San Diego Opera Spotlight” as “The Program That’s Old Enough to Vote.”
Written by Arts & Humanities Producer, John Menier
Watch all of your favorite opera programs in our online archive. Stay tuned for the upcoming San Diego Opera Spotlight production of Don Quixote.