Dear Editor: I was very disappointed with this month’s [Oct. 2010] “The $50 Week” installment about Boston. It appears Giovetti believes that New York is far superior, but if one were forced to spend any time in Boston, it might be acceptable. I am not sure just what she means by saying that Boston has less to offer than New York “in terms of pedestrian culture.” Most consider Boston to be a very walkable city. If she means that you are less likely to run into exhibitionist hobos on the streets of Boston, then she is probably correct. As a proud Boston resident, I found the article biased and poorly researched.
Giovetti expatiates on possible deals at a couple of tourist traps like the Barking Crab. If you are here for a tourist vacation, you could instead catch some real local culture and get a bowl of very filling clam chowder for $5.95 at the Union Oyster House. It is the oldest restaurant in the U.S. and has a decidedly more authentic vibe. In general, though, the article seemed geared toward singers who may either be auditioning or studying in Boston. Espresso Royale Caffe, Boloco, or Woody’s Pizza are all locally run businesses located near Symphony Hall and would be more accessible options for an inexpensive lunch. I doubt that anyone in New York would advise singers on a budget to dine in Times Square for the weekend.
I would encourage any young singer to spend more than a weekend here, though. Boston does offer a wealth of early music (highlights neglected in the article include Boston Baroque and the Boston Early Music Festival). I appreciate Giovetti’s mention of the very impressive seasons of Opera Boston and the BSO, but Boston also offers a rich community of opera companies for young singers, including Boston Opera Collaborative, MetroWest Opera, Opera del West, Diva Day Foundation, and OperaHub, as well as venues for new music such as Guerilla Opera, Juventas New Music Ensemble, and Callithumpian Consort. New England Conservatory offers not only free student performances but First Mondays at Jordan Hall also feature faculty and other professional musicians. Offered the first Monday of every month during the school year, these are also all free.
For a lower cost of living than New York, in a place that still sees a lot of auditions, both local and regional, Boston is a great supportive environment for the young singer. And for those YAP auditions that require New York travel, we are only a Fung-Wah away. Ms. Giovetti should save her disdain for more New York-centric publications.
Katrina Holden
Via e-mail
