David Daniels arrived at 10 am for the cover photo shoot after singing the lead in Giulio Caesar, the four and a half hour Handel opera at the Met the night before. The NYT review had just hit the stands with a full endorsement of his performance, "full-bodied sound, emphatic delivery and technical command." I have had the privledge of photographing many covers for Opera News over the years with Gregory Downer, the art director. The task at hand was to photograph David at the National Arts Club in Gramercy Park to highlight his upcoming project of Oscar. This new opera in production at the Sante Fe Opera which depicts the story of Oscar Wilde's life, while looking back at his life from his stay in prison. The Arts Club is from the mid 1800's and is maintained in beautiful condition. Oscar Wilde would have felt comfortable amongst all the antiques. The location in all it's Victorian splendor had so many wonderful possibilities for portraits. David made himself at home and the result is the rich cover and an inside photo in an adjacent room with framed portraits of past and current members of the National Arts Club. Its a wonderful NYC location worth visiting. For me the chance to work with David again and experience the club was truly memorable. Pick up the magazine on the stands or go to this link to see the online version and subscribe.
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