The Conrad Prebys Foundation’s Post

Doing good is good business.

Check out my blog on Black History in the opera realm

Still glowing after a wonderful opening night at the Greek National Opera! The GNO generously donated 10 tickets for Living Opera community members to attend the show, and it has sparked an incredible ripple effect in just a few short days: 1) I had the privilege of meeting members of our community in Athens, learning firsthand about the unique challenges they face. 2) Our community members connected with each other, building new friendships and strengthening their networks. 3) What started as a shared evening at the opera is already evolving into collaborative opportunities. This experience reinforced something I deeply believe: small gestures can create lasting impacts. Whether it's giving someone a seat at the table—or in this case, in the audience—these moments can lead to meaningful connections, new ideas, and long-term growth. As leaders in various sectors, we have so many ways to foster community and inspire change, often with simple, thoughtful actions. CTA: What small gesture can you make today that might have a bigger effect than you imagine?

Graphic recording is a great form of research communication and translation!

👀 Have you seen this TEDxTalk on OPERA by OperaDelaware's VP of Engagement Kerriann Otaño?! 👀 Kerriann passionately explores how the traditional dialogue around opera can lead to gatekeeping, hindering its full impact on communities. Without joyful advocacy, opera risks being perceived as elitist and exclusive, deterring curious minds. At BLO, our 5 core values are Boldness, Collaboration, Connection, Learning, and Belonging. Kerriann speaks to each of these in her talk. One of our favorite takeaways is: "Where we believe we belong is where we show up." We believe that YOU belong at the opera. More on her talk: Opera is so much more than Viking horns and Valhalla. The traditional way that we talk about opera leads to gatekeeping and has limited our ability to see all that opera can mean to a community. Without joyful advocacy, opera's reputation for elitism and exclusivity will continue to drive away curious audiences. In this TEDxOldHickory talk, former opera singer and eternal Opera Hype Girl, Kerriann Otaño, talks about audience and artist advocacy through the power of authenticity. The connection between grief and gratitude, vulnerability and belonging, has played an important role in Kerriann Otaño's career shift from professional opera singer to Vice President of Engagement. https://lnkd.in/eBat-z_4 #opera #TEDx TEDx #joyfuladvocacy #youbelong

Today on “Opera with Joe.” Why should we give to the arts? Advocating for support and investment in the arts, discussing the societal benefits of arts funding and the importance of preserving cultural heritage and creative expression. Watch the video on our blog, https://wix.to/ZVhYyyD #newblogpost #fortworthopera

Some Friday thoughts: Embracing authenticity is something often talked about out, but not always put into practice, despite our best efforts. As opera singers, we want to impress the crowd, even when what we think people want goes against what is most natural to express our vocal abilities, especially in the world of opera where passion and genuine expression shine the brightest. Remember to focus on the genuine aspects of your voice rather than getting caught up in a style that doesn't suit you. Your unique voice has its own story to tell, and it deserves to be heard authentically. Don't try to fit into a mold; instead, let your true voice resonate with sincerity and emotion. #operasinger #authenticity #embracethevoice #queenofopera

That's true, many North American Performing Arts organizations and companies are years ahead of most of the European organizations in reflecting the aspects Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). They address racial injustice, gender disparity, and ableism, as well as discrimination and power abuse more serious and with more financial power. We should take this as an example in order to quickly catch up on these aspects and not always be years behind, as with #metoo a.o.

Want to know more about the business side of the opera world? Read below to learn what INO Artistic Director, Fergus Sheil, will be addressing at this years' Business of Opera Summit...