Hiatus for a Venerable Institution

December 10, 2008 - Well so many people have contacted me recently to get my 'opinion' on the current situation with Baltimore Opera, that I feel like I need to make a brief post in order to make a couple things clear.

The loss of any arts organization, especially one with such a venerable history as Baltimore Opera is a tragedy and a severe blow to the cultural community of any city. It is Opera Vivente's belief that a truly vibrant arts scene is one that is multi-faceted with many successful organizations exploring different facets of their respective artform whether it be opera, orchestral music, chamber music, theatre, the visual arts, or dance. Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to all of our colleagues who have been deprived of work opportunities and to all the Baltimore Opera subscribers who now hold tickets to shows that are not going to happen. We want to and will be there for you.

That said, I would like to take this opportunity to reinforce that while Baltimore Opera is restructuring, Opera Vivente is completely committed to offering the rest of our season with Monteverdi's luscious baroque masterpiece, The Coronation of Poppea in March and Britten's frothy comedy of manners, Albert Herring in May. I hope that those who are 'jonesing' for an operatic experience during the Spring will check out what we are offering.

Happy Holidays and best wishes to all for a more prosperous and vibrant 2009.