Board of NYC Opera meets to talk future

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

By The Associated PressMay 19, 2011

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.

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