A Message about the 2020/21 Season From Larry Desrochers, General Director & CEO
The Board of Trustees and I have made the decision to cancel our 2020/21 season opening production of Sweeney Todd scheduled for November 7, 10, and 13.
This decision is based on a number of factors:
- First and foremost, the safety of our patrons, artists, crew, staff, and volunteers is of paramount importance, and we do not believe that we can guarantee the appropriate level of safety for a full-scale production at this time.
- The Province has indicated that it will not be reviewing the re-opening of large venues like the Centennial Concert Hall until September. To prepare a production for November, chorus rehearsals would normally start in August, and rehearsals are not possible with social distancing in place.
- Social distancing measures for the audience in the Centennial Concert Hall reduces the number of available seats to sell and as a result, producing large-scale productions is not economically viable at this time.
Though the fall production has been cancelled, we will still be sharing opera with you throughout the year. The staff and I have developed plans for artistic, community engagement, and education programming. Some events will be online, some live, and others will be a combination of both, depending on circumstances. These plans include live-streamed concerts in November and February; garden tours; a new Digital Emerging Artists Program; for the kids, Celebrity Opera Storytime; and much more currently in development.
Tosca, at present, is still scheduled for April 10, 13, and 16, 2021; however, we will continue to monitor circumstances as we get closer to the time of that production.
We look forward to returning to the mainstage as soon as it is safe and responsible to do so. In the meantime, we have developed a portfolio of programming content that will provide work for local artists, while helping to build a stronger community during this time of uncertainty.
This has been one of the most memorable seasons in our organization’s history, and we thank you for your continued patronage and steadfast support. With the strength of our board, the commitment of our staff, the passion of our artists, and the support of our loyal fans, I know that before too long we will be together again celebrating our love of opera.
Ticket Holder Options
SUBSCRIBERS
Option 1: Exchange your ticket(s) for a pass to the Season Opening Concert ($25 per household) and receive a tax receipt for the remaining value of your Sweeney Todd ticket(s).
Option 2: Receive a tax receipt for the full amount of your ticket(s).
Option 3: Receive a refund for the full amount of your ticket(s).
SINGLE TICKET HOLDER
Option 1: Exchange your ticket(s) for a pass to the Season Opening Concert ($35 per household) and receive a tax receipt for the remaining value of your Sweeney Todd ticket(s).
Option 2: Receive a tax receipt for the full amount of your ticket(s).
Option 3: Receive a refund for the full amount of your ticket(s).
Option 4: Receive a 110% credit for use at a future performance (issued as a gift certificate)
TICKET PROCESSING DEADLINE
Friday, July 17
Ticket holders should contact the Box Office at 204-944-8824 or complete the response forms above.
