Opera Cleveland

A MESSAGE FROM
OPERA CLEVELAND

Aug. 5 - Arts organizations across the country have been wrestling with fiscal challenges that have been exacerbated or caused directly by the national recession. Opera Cleveland is no exception.

The recession has affected our patrons directly and diminished support for the arts from corporations, foundations and public sources who have also seen diminishing financial resources.

Over the past two years, we have explored ways we could continue our world-class productions while significantly reducing our expenses given the very real and difficult financial realities we are faced with. We have implemented the necessary cost-cutting measures to live within our means.

Opera Cleveland has always operated conservatively and modestly. We believe it is because of our consistent pattern of fiscal discipline that we are able to continue our season while other operas in the nation have unfortunately had to close the curtain.
We have enacted an array of budget cuts. Included in these cost-saving measures was the difficult and painful decision to reduce our dedicated and talented staff. Opera Cleveland, already operating leanly, has gotten a little leaner.

While we may not have deep pockets, we continue to have a deep passion for the art form that we -- and we alone -- present in our region.

Opera Cleveland bows in gratitude to our numerous supporters who continue to help us navigate these turbulent times. We are now in rehearsal and preparing for our next two productions "The Pearl Fishers," the Georges Bizet opera scheduled to open next month at PlayhouseSquare's State Theatre. It will be followed by a double bill of short operas, Leoncavallo's "I Pagliacci" and Poulenc's "La voix humaine," in November.

We are extraordinarily dedicated to our mission and we thank you for your continued support.