Posted on 10/01/2013 1:18:25 PM PDT by Olog-hai
New York City Opera said Tuesday it is shutting down and filing for bankruptcy protection after seven decades as a fixture on the metropolitan cultural scene.
The company announced Sept. 12 that it needed to raise $7 million by the end of September. Spokeswoman Risa Heller said about $2 million had been raised, plus another $301,019 was pledged from 2,108 donors in an online campaign.
Junior to and often feistier than the Metropolitan Opera, City Opera was a spawning ground for top opera talent that included Beverly Sills, Placido Domingo, Renee Fleming and Samuel Ramey.
But it was derailed by a series of decisions by its board, which included going dark for the 2008-09 season while its auditorium at Lincoln Center was reconstructed; hiring Gerard Mortier as artistic director only to have him back out before starting; and leaving Lincoln Center after the 2010-11 season and playing at various venues throughout the city under general manager George Steel.
(Excerpt) Read more at hosted.ap.org ...
The fat lady has sung?!
Bush’s fault! Republican’s fault!
I’m sorry to hear this.
PING
Opera prices through the roof, NYers paying way to much to live in the suburbs even, NY programs simply invite importing low life’s and they think it opera can survive?
Handwriting on the wall. Opera depends on donations from well-to-do donors who are into culture. And it’s pretty clear what is going to be happening to THEIR disposable income once DeBlasio becomes Mayor.
Sad news. I’ve always enjoyed the NYC Opera productions I have seen on PBS. I don’t go to the opera anymore here in Houston. My wife and I were season ticket holders for several years. The expense was one reason we stopped going. The main reason was the “Eurotrash” style of production that seems to afflict every opera house these days.
But I assume the Metropolitan Opera is still in business?
Finally someone else saying what I believe.. I'm not at all happy about the rising prices, but what we have been getting, isn't worth it..
Can’t the FED print some money to support them as they do for most other NY Residents?
“With my sword and magic helmet”
Always a classic!
“With my sword and magic helmet”
Always a classic!
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