Dear Friend of Connecticut Opera:
Next month will mark the 67th Anniversary of the first performance by Connecticut Opera. Unfortunately, its passing will not be met with great celebration as we must regrettably inform you that Connecticut Opera is the latest victim of the current economic crisis facing our nation.
Last night our Board of Trustees approved a plan to cancel the production of our final two operas of the season: The Daughter of the Regiment and La bohème. The decision to cancel the rest of the season is not one that was easily made.
The reality of our situation is that ticket sales for Connecticut Opera in a normal season cover less than 40% of the cost of producingthe high-quality opera you have grown to expect from us over the past 67 years. This year, however, we are facing enormous economic challenges including a slow down in ticket sales and increased difficulty in raising charitable gifts and sponsorships. This combination has made it financially impossible for us to complete the season.
We know that you, like each member of our staff, will have many questions about Connecticut Opera’s future, but it will take a few weeks before we will have clear answers. We ask that you give our Board of Trustees the necessary time to develop a plan for our future.
On behalf of the Board of Trustees, Management, Staff and Artists of Connecticut Opera, we wish to extend our sincerest appreciation for your support and understanding during this very difficult time.
Sincerely,
John Kreitler, Board Chairman
Brooks Joslin, Board President
Willie Anthony Waters, Artistic Director
Linda Jackson, Managing Director
Friday, February 6, 2009
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