This undated photo provided by the City Opera shows the...

This undated photo provided by the City Opera shows the David H. Koch Theater in New York's Lincoln Center, where the City Opera shares space with the New York City Ballet. Credit: AP

The board of the New York City Opera is meeting as the company fights for its life.

For decades, the company has built daring new productions and the careers of stars like Placido Domingo and Beverly Sills. But it’s now in dire financial straits. A critical meeting of its board is scheduled for Thursday.

Its chairman has contributed $2.5 million toward plugging a deficit twice that much. Union leader Alan Gordon warns that the singers and the orchestra could “strike and drive City Opera out of existence” if working hours and benefits are substantially cut.

Opera spokeswoman Maggie McKeon says in a statement that the company is “focused on moving forward with a balanced budget” to ensure that it continues to thrive.

NewsdayTV's Doug Geed visits two wineries and a fish market, and then it's time for holiday cheer, with a visit to a bakery and poinsettia greenhouses. Credit: Randee Dadonna

Out East with Doug Geed: Wine harvests, a fish market, baked treats and poinsettias NewsdayTV's Doug Geed visits two wineries and a fish market, and then it's time for holiday cheer, with a visit to a bakery and poinsettia greenhouses.

NewsdayTV's Doug Geed visits two wineries and a fish market, and then it's time for holiday cheer, with a visit to a bakery and poinsettia greenhouses. Credit: Randee Dadonna

Out East with Doug Geed: Wine harvests, a fish market, baked treats and poinsettias NewsdayTV's Doug Geed visits two wineries and a fish market, and then it's time for holiday cheer, with a visit to a bakery and poinsettia greenhouses.

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