Author: Richardson, James F.

Publication Year: 1979

Media Type: Book

Summary:

Paper presented at First International Conference on Arts and Economics, sponsored by the Association for Cultural Economics, held in Edinburgh, Scotland, August 8-10, 1979. Comment by David Ault appears on p. 183-185.

Abstract:

Paper presented at First International Conference on Arts and Economics, sponsored by the Association for Cultural Economics, held in Edinburgh, Scotland, August 8-10, 1979. Comment by David Ault appears on p. 183-185.

Most discussions of the economics of the arts focus on the ravages of inflation and the need for greater corporate and government support of the institutions that sponsor symphony orchestras and produce ballets and operas. However, a different tack can be taken by looking at the career prospects and patterns of opera singers and the way in which these have changed over time. The focus will then be on the artist rather than the company or institution. Only a few Americans have been important on the international scene as instrumentalists; yet Americans have long made successful international careers as opera singers, despite the fact that until recently opera has not been an integral part of the nation's cultural life (Lipman 1979). Most of the names to be mentioned are those who made such careers, although one must always keep in mind that the successful are only a fraction of those who aspire to operatic greatness.

All would-be professional musicians face severe obstacles, including long and demanding training and intense competition. Still, it does seem that singers face many requirements that are exceptional in their range and difficulty. (p. 176).

CONTENTS
Notes.
References [bibliography].

Arts & Intersections:

Categories: Artists-Resources for