HAMILTON – Financial issues have forced the curtains to close on Opera Hamilton.
In a press release, the Ontario company says it has ceased operations effective immediately and that performances of its annual Popera concert this weekend have been cancelled.
Performances of Carmen in April have also been scrapped.
The 34-year-old company says tax receipts will be issued for purchased tickets.
It also says the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra and Theatre Aquarius in Hamilton have offered to honour Opera Hamilton tickets at some performances.
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Co-chair and treasurer Peter Uffelmann says they “simply do not have the financial resources to continue.”
“We had hoped a large donation from an individual would arrive in time, but regrettably it did not materialize,” he said in a statement. “And in the absence of any other funding, the board had no choice but to cancel the rest of the season and cease operations.”
Established by then-artistic director Steven Thomas and general manager Ruth Slater, Opera Hamilton started running in 1980.
It eventually became affiliated with Kitchener-Waterloo Opera.
Artists who’ve taken to Opera Hamilton’s stage over the years include soprano Measha Brueggergosman, tenor Ben Heppner and baritone Louis Quilico.
“This company has produced dozens of first-rate staged operas, witnessed incredible performances, and helped develop the careers of many young Canadian singers since it began in 1980,” board co-chair Dennis Darby said in a statement.
“This is a clear and regrettable loss to the community.”
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