Even though I haven’t been teaching in higher education since 1999, the middle of August always brings this twinge of anticipation that I’ve gotten since grade school – the approach of Fall and the beginning of school! I suppose if I were to be psychoanalyzed, some of the things we’ve started here at the Florentine could be read as replacement therapy to counteract that “beginning of school” feeling.
In all seriousness, I can’t remember a time when I was more excited about the onset of a season. Before summer winds down, we still have several free performances to present with our partners at Alterra Coffee at their cafes on the Lakefront (Aug. 20 at 7:00 pm), in Riverwest (Aug. 24 at 7:00 pm) and in Grafton (Sept. 2 at 6:00 pm). We also have another Opera in the Courtyard at the Italian Community Center (Aug 26 at 6:30 pm). Speaking of Riverwest, we are anxiously anticipating the opening of the Wayne and Kristine Lueders Florentine Opera Center. This is going to be a real hub of activity for us. (See what I mean? Replacement for school!)
We have a new group of Studio Artists who will join us in October, and some great productions waiting to be unfurled, starting with Tosca in November – not to mention several season previews in the meantime. All of these things make me anxious for the onset of Fall (even if I won’t be writing class syllabi).
And (as if that weren’t enough excitement), I’m lucky enough to live in a place where our colleagues at our sister arts organizations are also gearing up for the thrill of a new season. I look forward to experiencing what they have to offer as well!
Thanks for sharing this “twinge” with us. A great and positive message to get us back to thinking Florentine Opera.