Struggling Opera Company Suspends Big Productions

OperaDelaware is canceling its May production and suspending big-budget productions next season.

The News Journal reports that the opera is facing declining ticket sales and corporate support.

General Director Brendan Cooke said Wednesday that the company pulled the $179,000 production of Verdi's “Il Trovatore” to avoid worsening its deficit. Refunds will be issued to nearly 650 patrons who already purchased tickets.

The opera will focus on eight to 10 smaller performances next season with opera highlights and educational programming in venues other than The Grand in Wilmington.

Cooke says the opera may change to a two-week festival formal in the 2016 season. It would combine one or two full-scale operas at The Grand with smaller concert operas and lecture recitals.

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