His anti-sexism stand (in a world where a few orchestras still are hiring men only) showed at a recent Opera Guild chapter meeting in Lafayette. As Luisotti complimented American orchestras for needing fewer rehearsals than those in Europe, an audience member called out: “Because there are more women in the orchestras here.” Instead of just letting that pass, Luisotti laughed and agreed emphatically.
I wonder if this was put in because of an earlier quote by the Maestro:
The best way to become a conductor is to work as a rehearsal pianist, study, and watch other experienced conductors in action. You start to conduct when you become a man. It’s not enough to be talented. You need life experience, whether you’re conducting a symphony orchestra or an opera production.
Who knows? But a conducting friend of mine (a woman) immediately saw that latter paragraph! You can guess how it went over. 🙂
I suggested that perhaps he was slightly misquoted, and really meant this:
“The best way to become a conductor is to work as a rehearsal pianist, study, and watch other experienced conductors in action. You start to conduct when you become a manager of musicians who are so frequently difficult to deal with due to the incredibly stressful situation they are in. Especially oboe players, who have the hardest job of all. ….”
You can read this more recent article here and the earlier one here.
Dan and I will be attending opening night, and I’m pretty excited. But no, I’m not wearing a gown. And no, we haven’t been invited to any parties. We aren’t quite in that crowd, you know? But I DO look forward to a wonderful night with the San Francisco Opera!
