Joseph Volpe Winters In Florida To Boat And See Friends

The Volpes: Joseph and Jean in Florida

"Joseph Volpe, 74, worked his way up from apprentice carpenter to general manager of New York’s Metropolitan Opera, a position he held for a headline-making 16 years. Upon his retirement in 2006, The New York Times called him a 'famously demanding impresario.' Volpe and his wife, Jean, a ballet teacher and former principal soloist with the Metropolitan Opera Ballet, will winter on Longboat Key while he continues his work as a theater consultant, including helping plan a new opera house in Athens, Greece. 'He’ll never unwind,' says Jean. 'He’s always finding something to do.' [Source] The article also details the new boat he purchased; how he chose Florida as his winter destination; the couple's exercise routine; what arts organizations will be the recipient of their presence; and if he has any regrets about the Metropolitan Opera.

Natalie Dessay Exits Opera Stage With A Bitter Vibe

The Examiner reports on the French soprano's plans to retire. She sounds in the article a bit put off by what has been an auspicious career. Read some highlights:

"In September, Natalie will be in Toulouse to sing Massenet’s Manon. It may be her last appearance on the operatic stage. 'Yes, I think so. I did my real 'debut' in Toulouse, in the chorus. I had started off as an acting student. That was my real passion. That is my real passion. It’s just a detour of thirty-three years—to finally get back to my first goal. There’s nothing left for me to sing. I’ve done most of the roles I could do. I don’t want to play Juliette. At my age? Please! Or Lucia or Adina or anything else like that. That’s why I’m quitting. You have to love your repertoire. For a while I thought it was fun, but no. On to something else.'

'Along the way,” I asked, 'who were the coloratura sopranos that inspired you?'
'There was no coloratura, because I hate that kind of voice. I never had any problem with the repertoire. My idol is, was, and will be Maria Callas. That’s not very original, but that’s it. Also Renata Scotto. I worked with her. She’s fantastic as a teacher. I like the actresses. I don’t care about the voice. A beautiful voice in a body that doesn’t act does not interest me more than five minutes. So, I’m not a good audience member for opera.' [Source]


A performance from 1995 of the soprano singing Lakme's "Où va la jeune Hindoue?" demonstrates that there was much to admire in her singing whether she loved it or not.

Terrence D. Jones to Retire From the Wolf Trap Foundation

"Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts announced today that President and CEO Terrence D. Jones will retire at the end of 2011 following 17 years of service leading the not for profit arts and education organization. Jones joined Wolf Trap in 1996 and during his tenure, has positioned the organization as a premier center for the integration of performing arts, education, technology, and environmental sustainability. Under Jones' leadership Wolf Trap has continued in the legacy of its founder, Catherine Filene Shouse, and has achieved numerous milestones and gained recognition as a top performing arts center. Jones' 40-plus-year career in the performing arts—combined with his business acumen—has enabled the Foundation to achieve increased operational effectiveness and financial strength to thrive and grow under his leadership. In the past 16 years Wolf Trap has achieved its highest grossing Filene Center seasons, exceeded a $1 million fundraising record through the annual Wolf Trap Ball in 2011 in support of Wolf Trap's education programs, and in 2003 opened the doors to the national Center for Education at Wolf Trap, a state of the art facility that is home to the Foundation's internationally renowned education programs and the GRAMMY-nominated Wolf Trap Opera Company." [Source]