COMMANDOpera has attempted to multi task both the Olympics and this venue for the last few days. The venue is losing…. Since the opening ceremonies in Vancouver, the sheer calibre of the competition has been rivetting and of the highest rank. For decades now, the only time one could enjoy a credible game of hockey was when this event took place every four years. The version the NHL offers is so far removed from the actual sport, with the focus more on fighting (I mean really… ‘enforcers’ ?), it is now a boorish past time enjoyed by the lower elements of society.
Much has been made of the significant tragedies, errors, and buffoonery, yet the games happily march on. The Canadian windbag who is heading VANOC, a Mr. John Furlong, is a wee bit too much for this mind to tolerate, yet he is merely a symptomatic product of the old boys network which still maintains its vestiges in certain quarters. The gilded IOC old boys however removed from modern times, remind COMMANDOpera to a degree of the management of particular houses who determine to act as though Brittania has not left the building. What does one make of such a display as this from the colonies?
Above is the actual logo of the Canadian Opera Company. One can only avert ones eyes in embarrassment on the behalf of the staff who work there, to know such an unbridled and egregiously egotistical self promotion of Mr. Neef must be endured on their very marker. COMMANDOpera cannot think of a SINGLE theatre which holds itself as an important venue, who would intentionally mortify their image thusly. How utterly provincial, yet so correct in its presumption for a lower ranked theatre which is a little too aware of itself.
The games have suffered a great deal of negative press in particular from British quarters. This is heavenly to my eyes. London who will be hosting the 2012 summer olympics should advise the Fleet Street boys to tone it down. There is the old saying: ‘those who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones’. Fair Londoners and Brits as a whole, simply do not own the joie de vivre of the light hearted Canadians which permits them laugh at their follies. Thinking on it, one can only hope the illustrious Queen will either do the opening honours herself, or settle them upon her two grandsons, thus bypassing the distinctly unpopular windbag heir to the thrown (although he is an excellent gilded IOC fit as is his sister). Nevertheless, it will be a curiosity to compare when the moment is at hand.
COMMANDOpera will devote what time is available between critical events to discuss operatic matters (which explains nothing yesterday and this article today). COMMANDOpera further advises readers to take in what they can of these Olympics as it only comes around once every four years. There is something for everyone to cheer for: even the folks who read of opera at Parterre…..
American figure skater Mr. Johnny Weir twirls and minces to the music.
2 Comments
Boy , do you sound like a lover scorned .
There are rare occassions where one is obliged to use the power accrued to observe and bring to light such which demands onerous words. COMMANDOpera does not partake often or lightly: only when the subject fully merits the righteous displeasure of this venue. At the end of the day, somebody has to stand up and do the right thing come what may.