A Note from General Director, Jenny Rivera
Dear friends,
I'm still feeling elated after finishing up our season this past weekend with our fantastically unusual film and opera festival. As June ends and summer begins, I'm sure you're getting many "end-of-fiscal-year" pleas for support in your inbox. I'm writing you today to ask you to support Long Beach Opera as we finish this year of programming and to tell you why I hope you will.
For LBO, the year has seen large-scale artistic extravaganzas like the premiere of THE ROMANCE OF THE ROSE, which the LA Times dubbed an “operatic triumph.” We’ve also experienced more intimate moments of artistic connection that brought world-class artists close enough for us to feel the breeze from their movements flow across our faces. Whether you stood next to superstar countertenor Jakub Josef Orlinski while he performed a handstand on a rock in the Noguchi Garden during THE FEAST, were transported by the altar of ceremonial objects created by dancer and choreographer Chris Emile presented prior to his performance in THE HORSE, or just stood and admired film-maker Tom C.J. Brown's fantastic looking suit while you mingled with him after his film Christopher at Sea was played during THE RECITAL, I hope you asked yourself “is this really all happening at an opera company??”
The Romance of the Rose photo by Jordan Geiger
LBO is excited to be exploring the intersection of all of these art forms — from breakdancing to film-making — and asking the question: How can opera interact with all of these forms and feel relevant, exciting, and visceral for a 21st-century audience?
But let’s be honest — things are still challenging for arts organizations all around the country. I am disheartened to read about the cuts to programming and staff at cultural institutions both locally and nationally for the coming season. These are difficult reminders that times are tough for many arts organizations trying to find their footing post-pandemic, and support from our donors is more important than ever. Tickets only cover a small portion of the costs of producing operas, and LBO continues to invest in projects like recordings, operatic films, and education and engagement programming that expands access to this important art form. We can only continue this with support from you!
The Horse photo by Francine Orr
So I am asking you to support LBO with a gift in these last few days of our fiscal year which ends this week on June 30th. Making art that is new, different, and untested requires risk, which in these uncertain times, is more difficult than ever to make happen. But we are committed to continuing to find the path forward because the payoff is clear. LBO presented the world premiere of The Central Park Five in 2019 which went on to win a Pulitzer Prize in music, and now Anthony Davis is having his debut at the Metropolitan Opera next year. Big payoff for a risky new opera. (Stay tuned for our release of the CD of that opera... coming soon!)
The Feast photo by Phillip Faraone
The stronger we end this season financially, the more opportunities we have to showcase up-and-coming talent next year. Every dollar matters, so please give as generously as you can. Don’t wait — please click the button below and show your support for the artists that can become the future Mozarts, Puccinis, and Anthony Davises — what’s next matters and your gift will bring it to life.
With gratitude,
Jenny Rivera
General Director & CEO
