Lovers of challenging, edgy, intimate opera will have to tamp down their expectations yet again as the ambitious West Edge Opera bows to the inevitable. General Director Mark Streshinsky announced last Thursday that the company was postponing its much-anticipated 2020 festival — scheduled to open in two months — until July 24, 2021. In a press release, Streshinsky stated:
While the decision was difficult, it was also liberating to change our focus to a year further out. And fearing for our performer’s health was becoming overwhelming. Because of this new thinking, I can now safely say that this decision is not devastating. It’s a relief. I’ve now shifted to looking forward to a full festival next summer with Katya Kabanova, Eliogabalo, and Elizabeth Cree performed just as we want them to be, without the compromises a pandemic would impose.”
While specifics about interim activities for the rest of 2020 are still in the works, Streshinsky suggested that they are working on ways to connect artistically. “I’m not a fan of filmed performance or living room recitals, but I am starting to think of possibilities that are artistically fulfilling and that can be used to employ artists. Stay tuned!”
As with virtually every other arts organization in the country, WEO is hoping that season subscribers will consider donating the cost of their tickets to the company, “with 100 percent of the donations going toward paying our artists and crew.” Patrons who would like to further support WEO are encourage to visit the company’s donation page.
