Dissecting Artist Economics with Christos Makridis

12/10/24 • 46 min

What happens when the worlds of economics and opera collide? Christos Makridis , professor, entrepreneur, social scientist, and co-founder of Living Opera, joins us to explore this unique intersection and reveal why the arts often go unnoticed by those who study numbers and markets. Christos takes us on his journey from the realms of economics and engineering into the intricate world of the performing arts, sharing his research on artists' labor market experiences and the fascinating challenges of interpreting artistic careers through data. We uncover why understanding the unpredictable nature of creative paths is more crucial than ever.
We confront the issue of artist compensation and the broader value of the arts in our society. With artists often earning less than their peers, we challenge the misconception that the arts are less significant compared to other fields, such as healthcare. Through engaging examples and thoughtful dialogue, we highlight the essential role the arts play in enhancing our lives and explore strategies for better funding and support. Join us for a rich discussion on the arts' indispensable place in our world and the creative solutions needed to ensure their prosperity.

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The Behind the Curtain Podcast is hosted by Soprano Soula Parassidis and Tenor Norman Reinhardt. Follow Living Opera on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, and Website.
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From Crisis to Community – Creating Living Opera

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In Behind the Curtain, hosts Soula Parassidis and Norman Reinhardt delve into the raw realities of life as opera singers. In this premiere episode, they reflect on the catalyst moment that led to the founding of their organization, Living Opera. It all began in Paris on October 13, 2016, when Norman faced an unexpected crisis during a high-profile, celebrated performance. This episode invites listeners into the high-stakes world of opera, exploring the unseen pressures that come with it.

Performance anxiety in opera, or any performing art, is a delicate balance between passion and pressure. Soula and Norman unpack the illusion of perfection that often overshadows the joy of performing, discussing the personal and professional toll it takes. They explore the importance of support systems and the fine line between striving for excellence and the harmful pursuit of perfectionism. Through candid conversations, they redefine success in classical music, emphasizing the need for trusted individuals to stay grounded.

By confronting their fears, they reclaim the joy in their craft. Sharing stories of both trauma and triumph, the hosts highlight the value of reframing experiences and returning to the basics of artistry. This helps combat cynicism and encourages a healthier mindset. The episode concludes with a reminder to nurture positivity and joy in both work and life, while acknowledging the inevitable challenges.

A powerful testament to resilience, this episode invites listeners to look beyond the curtain and discover the true essence of performance—an inspiring start to a new podcast series!

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The Spotlight – Navigating High Notes and Finding Your Voice

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Imagine standing on stage, the spotlight burning down on you, as you prepare to hit that elusive high note—your personal Roman Emplire, constantly looming in your thoughts. In our latest episode, we promise an eye-opening journey into the minds and souls of opera singers, exploring the immense mental and physical preparation required for these critical moments. Through candid reflections, we uncover how the pressure of high notes is not just an opera singer's challenge but a universal struggle shared by anyone in a high-stakes profession.
We also take a lighthearted look at the humorous side of performing, recounting a personal anecdote from a competition where an unexpected illness led to a memorable stage mishap. There's nothing quite like an unexpected nod from an audience member to break the tension of a challenging aria and remind us of the importance of humor and resilience. This episode shines a spotlight on the delicate balance performers maintain between consistency and risk-taking, revealing how experimentation can lead to exhilarating live performances for artists and audiences alike.
The episode wraps up with an exploration of artistic growth, where we trace the journey from novice beginnings to achieving personal excellence. It's a story of embracing vulnerabilities, learning from setbacks, and finding one's unique voice both on and off the stage. We delve into the significance of vocal "cover" and how it relates to broader themes of self-expression and identity, offering insights that resonate not just with singers but with anyone striving for excellence in their field. Join us for a heartfelt exploration of artistry, identity, and the relentless pursuit of growth.

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Behind the Curtain by Living Opera - Dissecting Artist Economics with Christos Makridis

Transcript

Soula Parassidis00:00:11.313

I want to welcome everybody back to Behind the Curtain . I am Sule Parasitis , I am the lead founder of Living Opera and today I am with the whole team . And I don't know why I'm talking like this suddenly , because

Soula Parassidis00:00:27.666

we're doing a robot episode .

Christos Makridis00:00:29.190

It just sounds good . I