With the current U.S. recession, there has been less and less funding for the arts each year. The more classical disciplines, such as dance or theater, have been facing even more severe cuts. Opera is no exception from this lack of funding.
In “City Opera Takes What Is Expected to Be a Final Bow,” New York City Opera might have just ended its career with its final performance on Saturday night. There has no longer been a deus ex machina that has always saved the company in times of need this time. If the company doesn’t raise $7 million by Monday, it will be forced to shut down due to bankruptcy. City Opera’s board began to file for bankruptcy on Thursday if they did not meet that requirement. Going into the weekend, the company only raised a quarter of what was needed. Thus, the Saturday performance of “Anna Nicole” would probably be the last performance ever.
The company has faced financial troubles for many years, forcing it to raise its endowment. The financial issue became so bad that the company had to leave the Lincoln Center in 2011 and ended up traveling from place to place. It also cut back on how many operas were performed. It gave 115 performances a decade ago to just 16 last year.
Honestly, I never went to an opera nor listened to any so I cannot say I am extremely devastated over this. However, I am sad about the fact that in general, many places providing art for the public has to close because of financial troubles. People get little art in their lives as it is. If this keeps up, soon we may not be able to see any ballets or shows anymore. Art is a creative escape from all the math and science we face everyday, so if this company is closing, many more will probably soon follow and we won’t be able to enjoy art as much. Just this year I saw three wonderful shows and to think that those could also be gone at any time is truly saddening.
Cooper, Michael. “City Opera Takes What Is Expected to Be a Final Bow.” New York Times. The New York Times Company, 29 Sept. 2013. Web. 29 Sept. 2013.
