Opera Columbus has met the Huntington Challenge — a key benchmark in the Opera’s dramatic financial turnaround — and made a $400,000 payment to Huntington National Bank at a ceremonial signing on June 27.
“Opera Columbus was all but written-off in March of 2006; however the community would not let it die,” says Press Southworth III, Opera Columbus’ Executive Director. “Many individuals and corporations came through with the necessary support.”
“Ultimately, The Huntington National Bank, with the Huntington Challenge, provided the opportunity for hope that allowed us to meet our financial goal,” Southworth adds.
Southworth also credits Opera Columbus’ success to collaborations with other local arts organizations that assisted through collaborations and shared services.
“This is a proud day in Opera Columbus’ history,” says William Grové, Opera Columbus Board of Trustees President. “The support we received for the Huntington Challenge sends a clear message that opera is vital to the Central Ohio community. Thanks to the community’s support, Opera Columbus can continue to bring high-quality opera to Columbus.”
In March 2006, due to financial difficulties and debt of almost $1.2 million, Opera Columbus almost closed its doors. Opera Columbus owed Huntington National Bank $640,000. Determined to keep opera in Columbus, the Board of Trustees created a business plan that focused on fiscal responsibility. Additionally, Huntington National Bank issued Opera Columbus a challenge: Pay $400,000 by June 30, 2007 and the remaining $240,000 will be forgiven.
Since that challenge Opera Columbus has been operating on a reduced budget. Throughout the past year, the Opera staff and Board worked diligently in providing quality productions and educational activities with a focus on fiscal responsibility. The organization has also been actively seeking and soliciting donations from businesses and individuals in order to meet the bank’s goal.
Opera Columbus begins its 27th season this fall with La Bohème, the story on which the modern-day RENT is based, at the Ohio Theatre on Oct. 5 and 7. Opera Columbus collaborates with CAPA and The Phoenix Theatre to bring The Secret Garden to life at the Southern Theatre Nov. 15, 16, 17 and 18. Cinderella (La Cenerentola by Rossini), a family-friendly opera, will be presented at the Ohio Theatre on Feb. 29 and March 2, 2008. The season will conclude with H.M.S. Pinafore, Gilbert and Sullivan’s naval comedic hit, on April 19 and 20, 2008 at the Southern Theatre. H.M.S. Pinafore is a New York Gilbert and Sullivan Players production presented by CAPA in association with Opera Columbus.
Subscriptions and tickets are available by calling the CAPA ticket office at 614-469-0939. For more information, visit www.operacolumbus.org.