ORLANDO OPERA TO SUSPEND OPERATIONS

ORLANDO, April 16, 2009 -- The Board of Trustees of Orlando Opera announced today that the company would suspend operations effective April 30, 2009.

"The recession of the past 18 months has resulted in lower ticket sales, reduced contributions, and defaults on pledged donations," said Jim Ireland, President & CEO of Orlando Opera. " In spite of significant cost reductions, Orlando Opera has not been able to break even on operations nor has it been able to eliminate its long-standing accumulated operating deficit."

Board Chair Joy Barrett Sabol said: "We undertook two major fund drives in recent years, the first in our 50th Anniversary and recently the "Carry The Voice" effort, which hoped to raise $500,000 to take the company forward; however, the lack of broad community support indicates that a resident professional opera company is not a priority of Orlando in these difficult times . . . this, irrespective of very fine productions and favorable reviews, particularly for the just-completed 2008-09 season."

Ireland stated that there are no outstanding debts to artists or craftsmen for services rendered for this or previous year. The two major outstanding issues – contracts with artists for future years and patrons who have already purchased tickets for next season – will continue to be reviewed by the Board and a skeletal staff until the end of May, at which time the public will be informed as to the resolution of these issues and the future of the company.

"Immediately, members of the Board will collaborate with United Arts, civic leaders, local foundations, performing arts groups and other supporters to explore possibilities for a way forward to include the potential of presenting our 2009-2010 season," said Sabol. "The season includes the three most beloved and most performed operas – La Boheme, Carmen and La Traviata."

"Unfortunately, Orlando Opera will have to suspend its educational and training programs," she noted. "Thousands of students have participated in Orlando Opera’s, summer activities, touring productions, dress rehearsals at Bob Carr, and educational programs. It is unfortunate that our young people will lose this introduction and exposure to the arts.

Questions or expressions of concern from the public should be sent in writing to:

Board of Trustees
Orlando Opera Company
1111 North Orange Ave.
Orlando, FL 32826

Media Contact (until April 30): Andy Howard, 407-426-1717 ext, 102