At this moment there are more living composers who have seen and heard one of their own operas than at any time since the late 19th Century. Isn’t this amazing? 

But there’s another simultaneous reality that would seem at odds with the above: the operatic repertoire has shrunk precipitously in the last half-century.

Most children of a certain age have a memory of physical education class, of that dreaded moment when teams are chosen. Two student captains, selected by teachers who have already identified them as ‘star’ athletes, would in turn begin choosing their teammates.

When I came to HGO in January of 1999, a new currency, the Euro, was being introduced to the world. The hot new TV show was The Sopranos. Jon Stewart started on The Daily Show. Michael Jordan retired for the second time.