Facing Covid-19 Concerns, West Edge Opera Postpones West Edge Festival Until 2021
"The safety of our artists, our staff, and our audiences must come first and it’s now clear that the risks outweigh the potential for reward." - General Director Mark Streshinsky
OAKLAND, CA, May 21, 2020 - General Director Mark Streshinsky and Music Director Jonathan Khuner have announced that West Edge Opera will postpone its annual summer festival until the 2021 season. Their productions of Katya Kabanova, Eliogabalo, and Elizabeth Cree, originally scheduled for July 25th through August 9th, 2020, will instead be presented starting July 24th of 2021.
"We are disappointed, but not devastated" reports Streshinsky. "New research has shown that it is nearly impossible to rehearse an opera with the level of safety and confidence we would need to feel comfortable. We had been holding out hope for a sharp reduction in cases or a medical breakthrough, but none of that seems to be happening in time."
"We're thrilled that almost the entire cast of our shows are available next year and are looking forward to creating the productions that we intended, without the uncertainty and other challenges that 2020 introduced."
According to Streshinsky, ticket holders for this summer will be asked to choose between a refund and donating the cost of the ticket towards the artists. "When we first realized that postponement was a possibility, making sure that our artists were paid was our top priority. It is unlikely we will be able to realize their full fees, but 100% of the ticket revenue donated will go straight to the artists and crew. We hope that our patrons back us in our mission to make certain this amazing team of talent is recognized and supported."
For more information and a full statement issued to the public, visit the West Edge Website at:
http://www.westedgeopera.org/
"We are disappointed, but not devastated" reports Streshinsky. "New research has shown that it is nearly impossible to rehearse an opera with the level of safety and confidence we would need to feel comfortable. We had been holding out hope for a sharp reduction in cases or a medical breakthrough, but none of that seems to be happening in time."
"We're thrilled that almost the entire cast of our shows are available next year and are looking forward to creating the productions that we intended, without the uncertainty and other challenges that 2020 introduced."
According to Streshinsky, ticket holders for this summer will be asked to choose between a refund and donating the cost of the ticket towards the artists. "When we first realized that postponement was a possibility, making sure that our artists were paid was our top priority. It is unlikely we will be able to realize their full fees, but 100% of the ticket revenue donated will go straight to the artists and crew. We hope that our patrons back us in our mission to make certain this amazing team of talent is recognized and supported."
For more information and a full statement issued to the public, visit the West Edge Website at:
http://www.westedgeopera.org/
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