Sign of the times

Maestro Willie just dropped this bomb. Unbelievable.

January 29, 2009

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 the final two operas of our 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 producing the 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 the entire Greater Hartford community, 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 and Staff of Connecticut Opera, we wish to thank you for the many years of glorious music-making, and extend our sincerest appreciation for your support and understanding during this very difficult time.

Willie Anthony Waters