Economic Malaise Claims Another Arts Company

Temple, NH – Tuesday, April 7, 2009 - Lilliane LeBel, President of the Board of Trustees of Granite State Opera, today announces that the opera company is closing effective
April 3, 2009.

“It is with heartfelt disappointment on my part, and the part of all of us involved, that we make this announcement.  Granite State Opera has brought such joy and enrichment to the community over the past nine years, and we are extremely sorry to have to close.” said Ms. LeBel.

Granite State Opera is not alone.  It follows Baltimore Opera, Connecticut Opera, Orlando Opera and Pacific Opera, not to mention dozens of other arts organizations across the country. Even The Metropolitan Opera has had to cut back on its productions.

Known for its high-quality productions despite its size, Granite State Opera has won many awards since its inception including “Best Classical Event in NH in 2006” from Hippo Press for its Madama Butterfly and  “Best Opera, Best Opera Orchestra, and Best Male Lead” awards from operaonline.us for the eastern US region for its 2007 production of I Pagliacci.  In addition it has received many glowing reviews from both national and international critics including the prestigious Seen and Heard International.

But even the critical acclaim that the Granite State Opera has garnered could not spare it from the downturn.  Even as late as this week, the company mulled over a plan that it thought it could survive by extending the season and holding town hall-type meetings, but unfortunately realized that those steps would not be enough to help it weather the next few months.  “It was with deep regrets that the Board came to the conclusion that there were no other viable options that would enable us to continue,” she continued.

Artistic Director Philip Lauriat said, “I am saddened that we need to close the company, but I am proud of what Granite State Opera has offered to its audiences over the years.  
I hope that we have expanded the love of opera in New Hampshire.” 

The company thanks the many supporters, patrons, audience members, singers, instrumentalists, directors, stage and set crews who have contributed to the company's artistic successes over the years.