I guess indie bands and new-music ensembles aren't the only ones passing the tin cup these days. City Opera—which has had more than its share of issues over the past few seasons—are claiming that unless they raise $7 million by the end of the month, they will shutter the current season. (To date, they've raised less than five percent of their $1 million Kickstarter goal.) And, with the heavily publicized premiere of Mark Anthony Turnage's Anna Nicole set to kick off the season next week at BAM, the timing couldn't be worse.
What gives, George? Do you think you could have told us all a little bit sooner?
In some ways, it would be a shame if this city lost its second opera company, long heralded as "The People's Opera" and an important launching pad for both singers and composers. But there is such a thing as Darwinism, and City Opera simply hasn't been the same since Steel made the fateful—if necessary—decision to leave Lincoln Center in 2011. Maybe other cities would rally to the cause, but we need healthy artistic institutions in this town, not ones that are on life support.
If anyone's got some extra cash laying around that's burning a hole in your pocket, feel free to donate it here; just don't expect much of a return on your investment.