Last-minute reprieve for New York City Opera seems possible
The depressing saga of New York City Opera, which left its longtime Lincoln Center home for an uncertain future as a nomadic company, has hit an unexpected note of optimism.
Although negotiations with the musicians appeared to have broken down for good a few days ago, talks resumed and it now looks like a 2012 season -- a shadow of the seasons City Opera once offered -- will proceed. Rehearsals for "La Traviata" will now begin; that production is due to open at the Brooklyn Academy of Music Feb. 12.
Here are excerpts from the union's press release:
After months of negotiations and mediation which last week resulted in a lockout of musicians, the negotiating committee comprised of musicians who play in New York City Opera and their union ... provisionally approved an offer by management that, if ratified by the full orchestra, will allow the 2012 season to proceed.
In response to this latest offer ... Tino Gagliardi, president of Local 802, AFM, said: “This tentative settlement is far from ideal, but our membership is now carefully considering its elements in light of the circumstances ... Though greatly saddened by the Opera’s departure from Lincoln Center and its truncated season, the musicians simply want to find a way that would allow ‘The People’s Opera’ to continue its grand tradition.”
The voting for ratification will close at 4:00pm on Thursday, January 19th.
