Looking over the March 2024 performance calendars of our artists, a recurring debate came to mind. Is a permanent engagement at a theater or with an orchestra desirable for young artists?
Once again, I answer it with a clear YES — provided all parties involved, including theaters, agencies, and artists, act responsibly and fairly towards each other, something that we must always strive for in any event. Artists build their repertoire and gain experience; agents may earn less from them for the nonce, but they give the artists opportunities to develop and get to know them very well; and theaters can establish a local identity with these artists, creating distinctiveness and identification with their audience, thus nurturing artist careers.
Assuming good will and responsibility as these permanent engagements are put into practice, they have always been the strength and import of the opera and concert business in German-speaking countries.