Help Sustain the Decades-Long Tradition of Connecticut Opera

At Connecticut Opera we are proud of our 67 year operating history – the 6th oldest continuously operating opera company in the country.

We are proud that we independently produce and stage three operas a year while:

• Contributing to the artistic and cultural diversity of Hartford;
• Providing seasonal employment to 100 local musicians, production technicians and support personnel to present our critically acclaimed performances;
• Bringing our nationally recognized educational program, “Opera Express” annually to tens of thousands of children around Connecticut at little or no cost to their schools.

But -- we cannot do this without substantial community support.

30 years ago, William E. Wood, former president and lifetime honorary trustee of Connecticut Opera, wrote an essay in the Connecticut Opera playbill.  In his letter, William outlines the emergency fundraising campaign that was necessary to successfully close out the ’78 season.  William also forewarned the readers that fundraising cannot just be a response to a financial crisis; “it must be a yearly campaign.”

William’s heartfelt vision for Connecticut Opera’s annual need for fundraising was true in 1978.  And given what is happening to opera companies around the country, it is even truer today.

New York City Opera Furloughs Staff To Conserve Cash

Michigan Opera Cancels A Production While Trimming Its Staff

Opera Pacific Suspends The Balance Of Its 2008-2009 Season

Connecticut Opera faces similar economic challenges including a slow down this season in our ticket sales. And with ticket sales in a normal season covering less than 40% of the cost of producing the high-quality opera that you and many others have grown to expect from Connecticut Opera, our need for your charitable support today is even greater.

Please help us survive this economic crisis by taking a moment today to make your tax-deductible gift to Connecticut Opera. 

Only with your charitable support can we avoid making headlines like the ones above.

For more information about supporting Connecticut Opera as well as our many sponsorship opportunities, please contact Dave Judy, Director of Development, at 860-527-0713, or at djudy@ctopera.org.

Connecticut Opera is a non-profit organization, recognized under section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.  Gifts made to Connecticut Opera are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.