Frances Stark's The magic flute (orchestrated by Danko Drusko), a pedagogical opera: conductor as collaborator

Abstract

The goal of this dissertation is to share a significant collaborative project which may be considered a forerunner for similar undertakings in the future. In it, the visual artist, Frances Stark, envisions a film version of the The Magic Flute. Due to her determination to cross boundaries, she collaborates with a conductor/arranger, popular music producer, orchestra manager, and young musicians in order to create a “pedagogical opera.” From a conductor’s point of view, it will be interesting to discover the precise role of conductor as collaborator, as well as learn how one establishes connections in the contemporary art scene. In addition to the collaborative aspect, the musical process shall be examined with as much detail as the visual artist’s. Because of the belief in the project’s role as a forerunner, its potential for future projects will also be discussed.