In opera, as with any performing art, to be in great demand and to command high fees you must be good of course, but you must also be famous. The two are different things.

Summary

This quote highlights the distinction between being skilled and being well-known in the realm of opera or any performing art. While talent and proficiency are crucial to success, the quote suggests that achieving fame also plays a significant role. Being in high demand and receiving substantial financial compensation require both talent and celebrity status, as the two aspects hold separate significance in the industry. In other words, being good at what you do is essential but being recognized and acknowledged by a wider audience is equally important for achieving success as an opera performer.