‘Opera House Lobby’
courtesy of ‘Kevin H.’

Opera goers have fewer opportunities for frilly stage shows and musical pizazz during the 2010-11 season now that the National Opera is cutting back.

The rumors  floating around the past few weeks are true – WNO is dropping eight staff positions and re-issuing a new (shorter) season of productions due to a decrease in their annual budget. The 2010-11 season will host five operas, which is one less than this season, and two less than one before.

The international image the WNO aimed to achieve since welcoming Plácido Domingo to the WNO team in 2003 runs the risk of decline due to this slight financial set-back but their “show must go on!” attitude, dedication to the fine arts, and planning for future fundraising opportunities could surely prove to be what restores the program.