Portland: Espresso + opera

The National Opera Association convention in Portland was enlivening, thanks to lots of caffeine and lots of operatic insights. My favorite discoveries included the world premiere of a clever chamber opera entitled "How to Date a Coloratura" and the top-rated coffeehouse Barista. Best of all, the conference gave me a great idea for a new chamber opera of my own. More on that in the months/years to come. In his session, composer Kirke Mechem ("Tartuffe") said it takes 3 years to write an opera, so I better get going. It could also take 3 years to work one's way through all 68,000 square feet of Portland's Powell's Books.