COMMANDOpera conduct

This has to be brought forward at the beginning; comments will always be moderated before they see the light of day on COMMANDOpera. If I wanted a trashy site in the manner of Perez Hilton (where banality reigns supreme and he makes a great buck doing it), the choice would be otherwise. I possess an extraordinary command of the Queens English which permits me to convey what I want without the necessity of crudeness which most ‘four’ letter words invoke. There will be moments however, when nothing else can illuminate with verismo satisfaction than the well placed profanity. Alright, here is the deal… The occasional use of this vernacular will be tolerated, but NEVER to expressly and directly demean an individual, or artist, or house. Even if I agree with the sentiment. Further, when commenting, confine yourself to the topic at hand and NOT someone else’s comment. They have a right to express their opinion without ridicule or invasion. The readers of this blog are quite capable of rolling their own eyes without your fervent declarations to assist them.

As for myself, I am friendly with the management of a number of houses. Regardless of this fact, know that the houses will be given their due as warranted. I have favourite artists no question; this is opera which is a matter of subjective taste. But I am here to discuss the art form as a whole. I will trumpet and defend all endlessly, but if anyone blows it big time, I will be unrelenting in attack. Younger artists will be given far greater latitude is messing up…. their day will come.  Listen, above all I understand you have to get out there and do it which I respect tremendously. However the paying public under no circumstances should receive anything but the best that any artist or house is capable of at that moment.

For those nobody artists who have established themselves to be distasteful individuals via their behaviour/actions on or off stage you have no hope here regardless of your perceived stature. Why? Because I am living proof U can make it to the top of your field without having to be a jerk on the way up…. or the way down as this case may be.