5 replies to this topic

[mom2]

There was an article on the front page of this morning's Toronto Globe and Mail, stating that Karen Kain would be the new AD for NBOC.  It is to be announced formally today at a press conference.

m2

[gracey]

It was in the star as well.  It was an easy choice as she works well with James and won't cramp his style or step on his toes I suspect.  She has worked hard for that position and deserves it.  It will be interesting to see if her style emerges from this appointment as I would love to see it.

[chauffeur]

What kind of repertoire do people feel that Kain is mostly likely to put in place?  More classical than contemporary?  More or less story ballets?  No real change in anything?

[mom2]

My guess, for the first little while at least, is that the emphasis will be on increasing the audience AND donors as the company moves into the new venue.

[Noreen Arnold]

It's going to a full year before we see how Kain will put a season together as the 2005/06 has already been set.   And of course, that season will be particularly a high profile one because of the move into the Four Seasons Opera House.     I'm only speculating now but, given what she said in her speech last week about spending more on dancer development etc. and less on the big spectacular productions, there may not be a new Sleeping Beauty to open the Opera House.   Perhaps she will use the Farrell Don Quixote as the opening "big show" instead.    As well I'll be interested to see what new coaches etc. are hired - I'd certainly like to see Frank Augustan come on board even on a part-time basis.   I've only heard great things about his teaching/coaching abilities.  Lastly, I wonder if Rex Harrington might be back as a "guest" artist.   I can think of a number of roles he could do...Tybalt to mention only one.

[studio company]

I think it is safe to say that Kain will do a great job as the new AD.  Next to Tennant, she is the most famous Canadian dancer.  

She has experience in almost everything it requires to be a great artistic director.  I look foward to the ballets she prepares and how they differ from Kudelka's.