In Tuesday’s (8/16) Sacramento Bee, Edward Ortiz writes, “The leaders of the Sacramento Opera and Sacramento Philharmonic are discussing a merger as a way to secure their futures–and potentially grow–despite a troubled economy. Like other organizations that have gone down this road, they are learning there are pitfalls as well as benefits. Marc Scorca has seen it all in his years as president of Opera America. ‘There are a number of factors to consider, like the issue of loyalty to an art form among donors,’ Scorca said. ‘Blending the two can be less appealing to everyone than the individual identity over which they are passionate. … Nationally, the idea of opera companies merging with their symphonic brethren is not a new one. Many have considered it, but few have acted on it, Scorca said. Companies that have acted on mergers include the Utah Opera and Symphony in Salt Lake City and the Chattanooga (Tenn.) Symphony and Opera. So far, staff members from the Sacramento Opera and Philharmonic have sat in on each other’s meetings, including Jane Hill, the recently arrived interim executive director of the Philharmonic. Already, the two groups are co-producing ‘Il Pagliacci’ and a concert of arias.”
Posted August 16, 2011
