Opera houses have been filled for years with performances of the European repertoire inherited from the extended 19th century, from Mozart to Puccini. In the 21st century, these works are being re-examined through the lens of contemporary social norms, and many of them are found to revolve around stories that invoke harmful stereotypes, the mistreatment of women, and a culture of oppression. Should these works be dropped from the repertoire? Should they be retold in ways that align with today’s values? What are producers and artists to do?

Monday, Sep. 14, 2:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. EDT:

Lead Presentation by Bernard Foccroulle

An organist and composer, Bernard Foccroulle served as the general director of La Monnaie in Brussels from 1992 to 2007 before leading the Festival d’Aix-en-Provence in France from 2007 to 2018. In 1993, he founded Culture and Democracy, an association that campaigns for widespread participation in cultural life.

Wednesday, Sep. 16, 1:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. EDT:

Live Replay of Monday’s Lead Presentation

Wednesday, Sep. 16, 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. EDT:

Panel Discussion

Cori Ellison, dramaturg, American Lyric Theater (moderator)

Harolyn Blackwell, soprano

Marcus Doshi, production designer

Bernard Foccroulle, former general director, La Monnaie and the Festival d’Aix-en-Provence

Cayenne Harris, vice president, education and community engagement, University Musical Society

E. Loren Meeker, general and artistic director, OPERA San Antonio

Yuval Sharon, artistic director, Michigan Opera Theatre and The Industry

Aria Umezawa, director and producer

Managing the Challenges of the Inherited Repertoire