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What happens when rigorous economic research meets the world of classical music? Prepare to have your assumptions challenged as Soula Parassidis interviews economist Christos Makridis about his groundbreaking research quantifying the true value of arts and culture in our communities.

With seven degrees (including two PhDs from Stanford) and over 80 published academic papers, Christos brings unprecedented analytical rigor to questions the arts sector has long struggled to answer quantitatively. How much do people actually value living near theaters and cultural venues? The answer, according to his research using sophisticated "hedonic pricing" models: thousands of dollars per year. By analyzing housing market data and controlling for numerous variables, Christos demonstrates that proximity to arts amenities significantly impacts where people choose to live and how much they'll pay for that privilege.

The conversation delves into practical applications for arts organizations seeking to demonstrate their value to potential donors and communities. Drawing on Nobel Prize-winning econometric frameworks, Christos outlines specific strategies theaters can implement to improve operational efficiency, create data-driven forecasting models, and establish meaningful metrics that prove their impact. These approaches don't necessarily require expensive consultants—sometimes just skilled data analysis using publicly available information.

Beyond the numbers, Christos shares a deeply personal perspective on why classical music matters: its physiological impact on listeners and its role in human flourishing and civilization. "What we put into our soul matters even more arguably than what we put into our body," he notes, explaining how his research extends to exploring connections between operatic voices and neural pathways.

For artists questioning their path, his message is clear and hopeful: your work has quantifiable value, there are allies in unexpected places, and every hour invested in your craft contributes to something larger than yourself. Listen now to discover how data can tell the story of why arts matter in ways we've never before been able to measure.

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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.

Watch A VIDEO version of this podcast on Living Opera's Facebook or YouTube Channels.

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Stillness and intuition play pivotal roles in the heartbeat of a performance for conductor Michael Hofstetter. His insights shed light on how the music industry has evolved over the last 40 years and why maintaining a deep connection to the art form is essential for both conductors and performers alike. He engages us with personal anecdotes from his life, revealing how childhood experiences ignited his passion for music and shaped his career.

Diving deep into the emotional landscapes of Baroque and Classical periods, Hofstetter shares the profound impact these composers had in exploring the human psyche through music. The discussion also highlights the ability of music to resonate beyond mere notes, creating a dialogue between musicians and their audience. With a unique blend of humor and sincerity, Hofstetter passionately illustrates the significance of cultivating stillness, encouraging all musicians to embrace their individual journeys and find their voice.

Join us for an enlightening conversation that promises to inspire both seasoned musicians and those new to the art form alike.

Support the show

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.

Watch A VIDEO version of this podcast on Living Opera's Facebook or YouTube Channels.

Send us a text

In this Behind The Curtain episode, Soula Parassidis and Norman Reinhardt talk about the multifaceted realities of pursuing an opera career, especially regarding often overlooked financial aspects. By sharing personal experiences and shedding light on hidden costs, to goal of this episode is to empower aspiring artists to understand better what lies ahead, emphasizing hope and education.

• Exploring a young artist's question about the worth of pursuing opera
• The complexity of measuring 'worth' in an artistic career
• Discussing the realities of financial expectations in the arts
• Highlighting costs that artists face beyond income received
• The role and fees associated with agents
• Importance of financial literacy for aspiring artists
• How to navigate housing and travel expenses as a freelancer
• Suggestions for developing multiple skill sets and interests
• Encouragement and hope for young artists starting their journeys

Support the show

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.

Watch A VIDEO version of this podcast on Living Opera's Facebook or YouTube Channels.