Making American opera in the 1990's : the co-commissioning and co-producing of Houston Grand Opera from the 1990-1991 through 2000-2001 seasons

This is a study of the Houston Grand Opera and its co-commissioning and coproducing practices with a focus on the seasons from 1990-1991 through 2000-2001. Chapter one discusses the history of producing American opera since its inception, and the role of OPERA America in aiding North American opera companies in regard to communication, producing and financial support. Chapter two surveys selected North American opera companies of varying operational budget levels for their history of commissioning and producing American operas. Chapter three presents an overview of the methods and procedures entailed in commissioning and producing processes, and compares these to co-commissioning and co-producing. Chapter four is a look at the Houston Grand Opera, its history, and co-commissioning and co-producing practices. Chapters five and six are case studies of Harvey Milk and Cold Sassy Tree, cocommissioned and co-produced operas on which Houston Grand Opera served as the lead commissioner and producer. Appendices are included listing the world premieres by Houston Grand Opera from 1974 through 2005; world premieres from the 1990-1991 vii through 2000-2001 seasons for the Lyric Opera of Chicago, Metropolitan Opera, Minnesota Opera, New York City Opera, Opera Theatre of St. Louis, San Diego Opera, and the San Francisco Opera; samples of advertising from Houston Grand Opera; and cocommissioning and co-producing agreements for Harvey Milk and Cold Sassy Tree.