Thursday 13. July
If it is Thursday, this must be Melbourne. Two radio interviews at the station, then off to an in-store appearance during lunch hour. Both interviews are very enjoyable, especially the second one, called “Conversation Hour”. Despite being one of the highest rated shows in Melbourne the hosts are intelligent and knowledgable – rather different from most American talk radio. After we talk and I play a song live (La Luna) I am getting ready to leave, but am encouraged to stick around for the next guest, who is the director of the new Victoria Opera Company. It is safe and profitable to perform opera’s greatest hits, but much harder to perform new works which is something this opera company is hoping to do. We always want to know what we are getting into… Are audiences much less adventurous than they were 30 years ago? Is it because the ticket prices are higher? Is it because we have less time? Or is it a mind-set? Give me what I know?
