Collective Perspective

It can be comforting to think about COVID-19 as a shared experience, and yet I can’t stop thinking about how we are all experiencing this shared reality in such profoundly different ways. Even for those of us within the same professional sphere, our perspectives are distinct, and powerfully so. In the midst of it all, I’ve felt compelled to learn from my friends and colleagues, to hear about what is happening in their corner of this world of professional music making.

And so, in the interest of staying in touch, and of amplifying the voices of artists and those who have dedicated their careers to supporting the performing arts, I have asked several friends and colleagues from across our industry—from within and without Lorelei—to keep notes on their own transformation, challenges, and growth as we navigate this uncertain time.

We’re calling it our Collective Perspective (a nice thought, in the midst of isolation), and we’ll be compiling it all here. Let us know what you think, and be well.

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Beth Beauchamp
Renée Jaworski- co-Artistic Director, Pilobolus

I recently realized, as we all watch and listen with bated breath to everything that is COVID-19, that it is like a good performance. Some have seats that are closer to the stage. Some feel the feels more than others. Some will understand it all right away, and for some the realization of what they are experiencing won’t hit them for a few days, weeks, months or years. But it will change us all.

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Beth Beauchamp
Michael McGaghie- Director of Choral Activities, Macalester College

Let's start with this—choral music is not a mere extracurricular activity or test-prep aid; it is not in conflict with the public good—choral music is itself a public good. It's all about learning to be in right relationship with the other people in the room. We educators devote considerable time to unifying details like pitch, rhythm, and diction, yes—but we also teach listening and awareness as active, invisible skills.

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Beth Beauchamp
David Middleton- Founder of Middleton Arts Management

There is unquestionably a feeling of “we’re all in this together” between presenters, managers and artists, so though the days have been bleak, there is also a very heartening sense of solidarity that I have seen building throughout the arts community.…If there is one thing about which I am 100% confident it’s that people need live performances in their lives. It’s human nature to want the thing you can’t have and to take for granted the soul-fulfilling outlets that you count upon.

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Beth Beauchamp
Sonja Tengblad- Soprano

I have been craving a lot of things lately, but namely for these: connection, escape and reflection. (The latter two have been especially hard with a toddler at home!) I want to share a moment I had the other day, a raw moment that taught me a lot about the basic elements of humanity living on this planet together.

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Beth Beauchamp