“After three decades of music, Ottawa’s Opera Lyra has ceased operations,” writes Peter Robb in Thursday’s (10/15) Ottawa Citizen (Canada). “The announcement was made in a statement released by the company’s board of directors on Wednesday afternoon.” The National Arts Centre Orchestra was the orchestra for all Opera Lyra performances at Ottawa’s National Arts Centre. “ ‘It is with deep regret that we have decided to cease operations, effective today,’ the board said…. ‘Revenues are not sufficient to cover costs. All opera companies in Canada generate revenues from four sources: ticket sales, government grants, philanthropic donations and commercial sponsorships. In Opera Lyra’s situation, revenues from each of these streams have been consistently below expectations, resulting in cash shortages and an unsustainable deficit.’ The first production of the season, The Barber of Seville, did not meet expected ticket sales.… The shortfall in cash flow meant the company could not continue to operate, [General Director Jeep Jeffries] said…. The company was also still struggling with a debt of more than $500,000…. Christopher Deacon, the managing director of the NAC Orchestra said, ‘We know how hard Opera Lyra’s staff and board worked to sustain the company. This is an extraordinarily sad day for the performing arts in Ottawa.’ ”
Posted October 16, 2015
