D. B. Fox

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Excerpt

From an opera review in The Hartford Advocate, 1990

Before I started college, I thought all operas were sung by 300-pound women and gigantic men who doubled as linebackers for the New York Giants. Everyone wore helmets with horns sticking out the sides, everything was in a foreign language, and the ordeal lasted at least four hours.

Then, a first year music theory professor opened up a new world of musical marvels: a world of comedy and tragedy, of heroic deeds, of disguises, of fantasy, the fantastic, passions and lovers. The Connecticut Opera presents all this and more in its four productions during the 1990-1991 season.

Later in the review:

The power and passion of Carmen were traits 19th century Parisian society could barely tolerate. Her ability to control men's hearts (and libidos) in such explicit detail were unknown to the opera world prior to 1875. But much has transpired over the 115 years since Carmen's premiere and the opera's radical elements are commonplace on most TV soap operas. The Connecticut Opera's production, staged in a very traditional manner, seemed to lack any real conviction in a dramatic sense to my 20th century eyes.

But the continued spell of Carmen over today's audiences comes from its magnificent score, and in the musical department the production was a success.

Bio

I've been the executive director for Clarion West since October 2010 and love working with all the folks associated with the organization. Since coming to Seattle in 1991, I've worked as ED and development director for a number of organizations including Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestra, Jewish Family Service, Intiman Theatre, and Lifelong AIDS Alliance. I established my firm, DB Fox Consulting, Inc., in 2000.

Prior to my career in nonprofit management, I was a professional classical musician, performing as a bassoonist and conductor.


Writing Description

While living in Hartford, Connecticut, in 1990-91, I wrote a number of classical music reviews for the weekly newspaper Hartford Advocate. In addition, I've written scores of articles for nonprofit newsletters on various topics.

A few years ago my daughters self-published a collection of e-mails I wrote to them from 2004-2008. It's one of my prize possessions.

Writing Goals

I aim to write one piece a week over the course of the six-week Write-a-thon. I plan to focus on personal essays but may also throw in a short story or the opening chapter of a play for good measure.

Fundraising Goals

I want to raise $1,000 through donations from family and friends.



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