A Baltimore Concert Opera donor has put forth a $20,000 donation for use in a matching fundraising campaign to ensure the ongoing sustainability of the Baltimore Concert Opera. Until May 20, 2012, every dollar donated to the Baltimore Concert Opera will be matched dollar for dollar up to $20,000.00.
Baltimore Concert Opera holds an important place in the Baltimore opera community serving two communities -- those who are being introduced to opera for the first time, and seasoned opera-goers who are interested in seeing opera in a different, more intimate fashion. BCO showcases talented musicians singing great operas in an intimate, non-threatening environment and is vested in instilling and sustaining an overall interest in opera and the arts in the community.
"Cost is a big dilemma in the opera world," states Brendan Cooke, general director. "Rarely will you have a performance where the money coming in will support the product."
In 2011, the Baltimore Concert Opera pumped over $75,000 of revenue into the local community through employment of performers, hotel and housing bookings, and the use of professional services and the service industry. Baltimore Concert Opera is at a crossroads having succeeded for three years on an all-volunteer staff. In order to be sustainable into the future it is necessary for BCO to move to an organizational structure that includes staff. This matching donation and current funding campaign is vital to the continued growth and success of the concert opera and will ensure the ability of the company to develop programs relevant to expanding the opera audience within the community.
I don't think that opera is losing its relevance,'said Mr. Cooke. I think that we as an industry are losing our ability to reach the public and overcome some objections and some pre-conceived notions. We are very excited to have this support from people who have a belief in opera, a belief in Baltimore Concert Opera's ability to bring high quality performance and education to Baltimore, and who want to ensure that opera, and the BCO remain a vibrant part of this city's arts community. BCO closes their season on May 18 May 20, 2012 with three works by Puccini, in his verismo tour de force, Il Trittico, three one-act operas Il Tabarro, Suor Angelica, and Gianni Schicchi.
For more information or to make a tax-deductible donation, please visit
www.baltimoreconcertopera.com.
The Baltimore Concert Opera is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
About Baltimore Concert Opera:
Baltimore Concert Opera is a 501 (c)(3) organization dedicated to building upon the traditions of opera and extending this to new audiences through excellence in the performance of operatic music, collaboration, community engagement and education. By presenting opera in a format that highlights the human voice and removing the artifice that separates the audience from the performers, BCO creates an intimate and affordable experience that captures the core essence of opera.
