Book description
The Toughest Show on Earth is the ultimate behind-the-scenes chronicle of the divas and the dramas of New York’s Metropolitan Opera House, by the remarkable man who rose from apprentice carpenter to general manager.
Joseph Volpe gives us an anecdote-filled tour of more than four decades at the Met, an…
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Why read it?
1 author picked The Toughest Show on Earth as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?
Some autobiographies of eminent arts and entertainment managers are very gracious and discreet. This is not one of them. Joseph Volpe is the former General Manager of New York’s Metropolitan Opera House, and I just love this book’s jaw-dropping honesty and candor. He famously fired the tempestuous soprano Kathleen Battle, and this book recounts in detail the story behind her dismissal (among many other dramas).
How much prima donna behavior should we tolerate when managing creative artists? For Volpe, not that much! But he did have the prestige of a world famous opera house behind him.
From Paul's list on management in the creative industries.
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