Sex, Drugs, and Opera
with Ricky Ian Gordon
Ricky Ian Gordon goes Inside the Huddle to share anecdotes from his new memoir Seeing Through: A Chronicle of Sex, Drugs, and Opera including his perspective on Billy Budd, the story behind his chamber opera Ellen West, and his thoughts on the state of American opera. Then, in Listener Mailbag, field report from an advanced screening of the Maria Callas biopic.
In the Two Minute Drill, the San Francisco Symphony Chorus refuses to sing the Verdi Requiem and Apple continues to improve the experience of streaming classical music.
“Make beauty. Be daring. Be dangerous. Be necessary.”
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Episode Summary
In this episode of Opera Box Score, we take a deep dive into the world of contemporary opera with American composer Ricky Ian Gordon. As a prolific creator known for his operas like A Coffin in Egypt and The Grapes of Wrath, Ricky not only shares insights on his latest memoir, Seeing Through: A Chronicle of Sex, Drugs, and Opera, but also provides a candid look into his personal experiences that have shaped his art.
Ricky opens up about the journey behind his memoir, recounting how he wrestled with the honesty demanded by his writing. He explains how starting a writing group during the pandemic spurred him to confront personal truths, allowing for a cathartic and intimate exploration of his life experiences within the realms of sex, addiction, and the opera world. His raw storytelling invites listeners into his world, revealing how the interplay of his life experiences has influenced his musical compositions.
We transition from the memoir to Ricky’s diverse body of work, including the emotional depths of The Grapes of Wrath. Gordon discusses the challenge and exhilaration of adapting such a significant piece of literature into an opera, emphasizing the need to personalize the characters to give them a voice that resonates. He reflects on the struggle of writing for the voice, his desire to ennoble singers on stage, and the role that personal connection plays in the creation of his operatic characters.
An intriguing part of the conversation centers around his chamber opera, Ellen West. Ricky draws parallels between his experiences and the themes of the opera, particularly how ideals can can trap individuals. He shares how collaborating with the esteemed poet Frank Bedard added layers of depth and nuance to his work. This exploration of identity and the struggles with self-expectation resonates powerfully, making it not just a narrative about Ellen West but a reflection of Ricky’s own artistic journey and personal battles.
In the latter sections of the episode, we engage with Ricky’s vision for the future of opera as he reflects on its current landscape. He offers insights into how the American operatic scene is evolving, emphasizing the importance of authenticity in composition and the power of new work to resonate with contemporary audiences. He encourages a departure from traditional pathways, advocating for a more diverse and experimental approach to create a future where iconic operatic stories can thrive outside the confines of historically significant venues.
Finally, the episode wraps with a field report on the premier screening of the Maria Callas biopic, further tying into the themes of legacy and representation in the operatic world. Reflecting on the intersection of cinema and opera—especially how the narrative of figures like Callas can transcend time and draw new audiences into the fold—highlights the potential for revitalizing interest in the art form.
With a mix of humor and profound insight, this episode resonates well beyond the confines of the opera stage, encouraging listeners to continually explore their own truths and embrace the complexities of artistry. Overall, it’s a compelling conversation that not only highlights the life of Ricky Ian Gordon but also the vibrant future of opera itself.
Opera Box Score Is
We are a troop of opera lovers who have banded together to create a weekly broadcast. We meet the artists that make this art form tick… and we express our opinions on the state of the art. Come join us on your favorite podcast platform. New episodes like this one, Sex, Drugs, and Opera! ft. Ricky Ian Gordon, drop on Thursday mornings.