A Tragic Opera Story

The City Opera of New York which has tried to bring opera to the people  for the past 70 years is in danger of cancelling the rest of this season and all of the next season. If they do not raise $20 Million by the end of the year it could very well be the end for this beloved New York Institution.

The City Opera is the smaller of the two opera companies that occupy space at Lincoln Center and it has always struggled in the shadow of the mighty Metropolitan Opera.  The theater is not as big, the stars are not as big and production values are not as big but they are in no way inferior.  The City Opera has been where the great stars of opera make their American debuts and has proven to be a great training ground for the likes of Beverly Sills and Renee Fleming just to name two.

I have seen Madame Butterfly performed by both companies and quite frankly I thought the woman cast as Butterfly was better at The City Opera. But, that really means nothing other than to try to make myself come off as an opera snob. I do love opera but I am hardly an expert.

The City Opera in many countries would be consider the premier opera and in fact it is world class.  It is astonishing to me that New York cannot sustain two brilliant opera companies.

If The City Opera of New York is forced to close it will be a very sad day for the arts & culture for not only New York but for all of us.  And, for those who could only enjoy opera at a fairly reasonable price tag. .
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