Opera is the greatest art form created by humankind. Like a mosaic, it is a composite of many different pieces — and when these pieces are of the highest quality and fit together perfectly, it becomes something greater than its components.
The pieces are flesh and blood, the mosaic a collaboration. I dedicate this modest book to the talented and passionate people who come together to make opera:
Administrators
Board members
Carpenters
Choreographers
Choristers
Coaches
Composers
Conductors
Costumers
Dancers
Designers
Directors
Donors
Dramaturges
Dressers
Fundraisers
Instrumentalists
Librarians
Librettists
Painters
Prompters
Prop masters
Soloists
Stagehands
Stage managers
Supernumeraries
Ushers
Wig and makeup artists
And to the audience, for whom we make opera in the first place.