New York City Opera to leave Lincoln Center

This came across my desk last week–I didn’t get to it until now, but it is of likely interest to a contingent of readers:

Associated Musicians of Greater New York

MEDIA ADVISORY
For Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Contacts: Augustino Gagliardi / K.C.Boyle
Local 802, AFM
212 – 245 – 4802
TGagliardi@local802afm.org
KBoyle@local802afm.org

Musicians and Performers of the New York City Opera to hold press conference protesting Opera’s plan to leave Lincoln Center

Opera artists’ gathering will immediately precede press conference to be held by Opera management advocating move from Lincoln Center

NEW YORK, NY—July 11 2011: Musicians and singers of the New York City Opera will conduct a press conference tomorrow, Tuesday, July 12th at 12:00 p.m. outside the Guggenheim Museum on the NW corner of 5th Avenue and 88th Street. The press conference will assail the decision of George Steel, the Opera’s General Manager and Artistic Director, to leave Lincoln Center, the opera’s home since 1966.

The singers and musicians will appear in formal wear (tuxedoes and gowns) normally worn during performances. The Opera’s chorus also will participate. New York City Opera orchestra musicians will perform an operatic piece at the protest.

George Steel’s decision to relocate the Opera will adversely impact audience members who have enjoyed attending world-class performances at a venue that has magnified the beauty of opera for more than 50 years. The move from Lincoln Center also may signal a potentially drastic reduction in the number of performances conducted by the Opera, a move that would cheat audiences as well as severely jeopardize the incomes of opera artists.

For more information and to sign a petition supporting New York City Opera Orchestra musicians in their fight to stay at Lincoln Center, please visit www.SaveNYCO.org.