6 December 2006
Welcome to my website! Hopefully it can help answer pressing questions like "where is he?" and "what's he up to" a bit easier, and provide you a window into the creation (and reaction) to the operas I've been working on. I'm very lucky to have consistent opportunities both to direct my own work and to recreate work that I believe in. Seeing a performance of The Coronation of Poppea in Los Angeles last week, and realizing that I know half the cast on stage reminded me we're incredibly fortunate to be around music every single day, discovering great cities while working with dedicated artists, and challenging the material at hand and ourselves to make opera.
I'm also grateful for folks like Ed Berkeley and Kim Witman who gave me chances to work with up-and-coming young singers as I tried on the director's hat. Those of you who have worked with me know that I prefer collaborations above all else. I know I don't have all the answers (nor do I want to!). I prefer to ask the questions, be the devil's (or the audience's) advocate and hopefully help us all find an elegant, dynamic way to express the story and emotions at hand.
I'm not sure where this "journal" category will lead, but I promise to update it month to month, or certainly project to project, perhaps at those odd 3 AM moments where the avalanche of ideas are preventing me from a good night's sleep! I look forward to seeing and hearing from friends on a more regular basis, and I wish all of you a Merry Christmas and a happy and productive 2007!
GARNETT