OC EXCLUSIVE: It's George. Man of Steel for NYCO

It's Steel.

***update***

The New York Times duly comes in second after Opera Chic (it's not a contest, guys!) and now confirms that Steel got the NYCO job. There's a small quote by Steel himself who says he plans to "dive headfirst" into the job.

Careful there!

Comments

[Operabear]

What? WHAT??!! Is it true?

[Dearly]

Details, dear O.C., I need details! My poor heart can't take this excitement!

[Coloratura Tempura]

OMG OC WINS AGAIN!!!!!

[Sandro]

The whole Steel story was so strange to begin with. He and his reps denied any deals in the making with City Opera, and it seemed like they were getting a little too reactionary from silly internet and New York publication rumors. Now we can see that he had a lot at stake for running his mouth. Let's hope this messy sort of PR control and denial doesn't follow the same code of management tactics at the City Opera.

[Baritone Fink]

You forgot to write "FTW".

[mazeppa]

Another Opera Chic exclusive? I love your official scoops, OC. Again, I can proudly say that I heard it here first.

[Sior]

It makes me laugh that other opera bloggers have been in hysterics this past month with daily (and foolish) speculation, while OC swoops in elegantly and drops the bomb when no one is expecting it. Way to go!

[Barbiere di Stockholm]

Congrats to you for the scoop. I wonder when NYCO will make it official? I can't wait to read the press release. On second hand, they couldn't even pull themselves into organization to publish the official word when Mortier left, so we can't expect them to do anything. They'll probably defer to Tomassini and the New York Times. So pathetic. Let's hope Steel pulls them from the quicksand pit that they're sinking into.

[Sandro]

I'm with Sior.

By the way, congratulations and good luck to Steel. He's going to need all the help he can get.

[Edward]

NY Times is confirming it as well.

Way to scoop OC!

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/15/arts/music/15oper.html?_r=2

[88 keys]

First you scooped the Metropolitan Opera, then the Baltimore Opera, and now the New York City Opera (and I'm sure I left something out)? At this very moment, Daniel J. Wakin & the NYCO are collectively shaking their fists at you for blowing their big story. Brava chica!

But can we talk about Steel for a second? This is a man who left his leadership post at Dallas Opera after a handful of months for the glitz and glamor of New York City. Susan Baker says in that linked Times article of Steel, “He is scrappy, flexible, adaptable, charming and innovative.” First of all, a BIG RED FLAG at calling him "charming" with her track record of being easily influenced and swayed by "charmers". Second of all, I can think of a few different words to call him. I guess I find loyalty higher up on my list of priorities when it comes to leadership qualities.

[anna fan-na]

I am dying to hear some first hand accounts of what the kids in Dallas think of this whole situation :-)

[boxxer]

So, was Steel on some sort of trial basis when he signed his contract in Dallas? Like he was signed on for a 90-day, uncommitted grace period? Because this sounds like a really messy deal. I would also like to hear from the Dallas administration regarding what the heck is going on there right now. I'm more interested in the details of the messy aftermath as opposed to the next steps for Steel. I'll bet they collectively feel like a jilted lover :-(

(and brava for officially outing Steel before the New York Times. I like to think that they were going to hold off the announcement for a bit [isn't Friday usually the typical day they pull this kind of stuff?], but were forced to spring into action when they saw you broke the story. Make 'em squirm!)

[Tanya]

2000 miles away and OC breaks the story before their famous hometown newspaper. You, darling, are my hero.

[Ghentlemen Prefer Blondes]

I wonder about all those bridges George Steel burned during his exile from Texas. Something isn't sitting right with me in this whole deal. Is it just me?

[Alan]

Well, if he's diving in "head first" at least both ends of the pool are deep.

[Mr. X]

Word on the street is that Mr. Steel had no contract with Dallas... kind of dumb on their part...