Baltimore Opera Co Is Latest Closing Casualty In Recession

The Baltimore Opera Company has declared that it will liquidate. It was only three months ago the company declared bankruptcy, but according to CNN.com, "Allan Jensen, chairman of the opera's board, said the recession 'was the nail in the coffin.'"

The Baltimore Opera Company has been operating for nearly 60 years, and was a staple of the arts scene. However lots of their financial backers have picked up and moved elsewhere over the last few years, leaving the company with less funding.

CNN.com lists other theaters that have had to close their doors in these hard times: "American Musical Theater of San Jose, California, which closed in December; Connecticut Opera, which ceased business in February; Las Vegas Art Museum, which closed at the end of February; and New York's New Dance Group, which closed in February after 77 years."According to the Baltimore Opera Company's website, "Under Chapter Eleven protection, the company will undergo an administrative re-organization and will cancel The Barber of Seville and Porgy and Bess scheduled for March and May, 2009 respectively, with the intent to return to producing grand opera.

Under Chapter Eleven protection, no refunds can be issued for these two productions; however, the BOC has provided letters stating the value of the unused tickets. Ticket holders should consult their tax advisors as to the treatment of the expenditure as a charitable contribution for the calendar year 2008, under the Internal Revenue code. If there are any further concerns, contact us at (410) 727-6000. We realize that this action may come as a shock and disappointment to many."