World Opera Day is an occasion to share the joy with all people.
This year, when everyone’s lives have been affected by the global pandemic, and the world’s social injustices have gained visibility and touched wider communities, the healing power of music and art is needed more than ever. Human beings are resilient and will ultimately survive the hardships following confinement. They need to be motivated by a higher purpose; one which involves standing firm for a free society with equal chances. Well-being is a condition of both body and spirit.
We aspire to a culture which is both local and global. It must belong to and be inclusive of all those within its community. At the same time, it must embrace a diverse but connected world. Opera is an international language, and its stories reflect the values of freedom and tolerance.
That is why we have chosen Beethoven, in the 250th anniversary of his birth, as our emblem for 2020. A giant of musical creativity, he also embodies the humanitarian message of universal brotherhood, which inspires our programme for 25 October. Our online platform OperaVision will offer vocal performances from six continents alongside messages from ambassadors worldwide.
What do opera, song and culture, mean to you and to your theatre and community? What benefits do they bring to society as a whole?
We encourage all members to join the campaign to engender awareness of opera, because its purpose is to ensure the survival of all we hold most dear. You must decide how best to contribute, depending on the resources at your disposal this year. You may be able to present a live event in a theatre or outdoors; or you may choose to host an online event supported by social media. You may like to perform music by Beethoven, on whatever scale, but he is not mandatory. Each of you is free to make the case for opera in the way you believe tells the strongest story in your own environment.
Please share your plans with celia@opera-europa.org, so that we may publicise them on our dedicated website www.worldoperaday.com where you will also find the World Opera Day logo.
World Opera Day 2020 will be a vital staging-post on opera’s road to recovery.
Nicholas Payne, Director of Opera Europa