New artistic director is exploring possibilities
Marianne Cornetti is a worldrenowned, veteran opera singer with 31 years of experience singing all over the world. In December, she made the jump from the stage to the administrative side of the opera ecosystem when she became artistic director of Pittsburgh Festival Opera, whichMarianne Cornetti is a world-renowned, veteran opera singer with 31 years of experience singing all over the world. In December, she made the jump from the stage to the administrative side of the opera ecosystem when she became artistic director of Pittsburgh Festival Opera, which she said, explaining that she felt the need to get out and about even during the shutdown.
Three months later, COVID-19 made her transition a bit more complicated.
“The pandemic has been a baptism by fire,” said the Cabot native.
Ms. Cornetti is staying in constant motion, waking up in her house in Rosslyn Farms as though she’s going to work before heading out of the house for meetings with staff members and fellow artists about the future of the company.
The meetings aren’t in person, of course — she’s driving to different parking lots and having Zoom meetings in her car, a red Cadillac XTS.
“I practically live in that car,” she said, explaining that she felt the need to get out and about even during the shutdown.
“I was starting to get more corporate donations and sponsorships and more individual donors, and then — wham! There was COVID-19. There’s nothing to do about that at this moment except wait.”
Opera seasons are planned years in advance, and companies around the globe are scrambling to adjust and respond. Pittsburgh Festival Opera is no exception and has bumped some productions into the fall or next summer, moved its young artist program online and postponed its gala.
Before the pandemic, Pittsburgh Festival Opera operated with about a $1 million budget. The company estimates it will lose $350,000 in fundraising because of the pandemic and is planning accordingly.
Collectively, the music world is holding its breath.
Ms. Cornetti is in close contact with other arts leaders, and she hopes that by the fall people will be able to gather in large enough numbers to make small performances worthwhile once more. She said European houses are hoping to open for the fall season at this time as well.
“My whole thought on this is: God rest everyone who has lost their lives or lost loved ones, but we’ve got to get healthy people out and about,” she said. “Protect those at risk, but start singing for the rest.”
In the meantime, she said the opera company is looking into drive-in theaters for the young artist summer concerts, or even a tailgating party at a good friend of the opera’s farm.