Reassuring Music Lovers

To the Editor:

I recently heard about the Connecticut Opera Company closing its doors after 67 seasons. Not only is it a tragedy that this opera company can no longer perform, the additional tragedy is that there is no money left to reimburse season ticket holders, who were told that they would not receive refunds for the remaining two performances planned for this spring. They could, if they wished, claim the amount they had spent for their tickets as an “income tax deduction.”

Such a blunt announcement is cruel. Especially if the “defrauded” opera lover, in his or her consternation and anger, lashes out and proclaims that “she has advised her brother to think twice about subscribing, as is usually done, to another arts organization for next year’s season.” This attitude could have a chilling effect on all season subscriptions to performances of any performing arts series.

Of course, we cannot liken the hard work and expense of producing an opera to the presentation of chamber music on the stage of Edmond Town Hall. Nevertheless, season subscriptions are the heart and mainstay of any arts organization that presents a number of events each year. It is an indication that the presenting organization is on the right track, that its programs are appreciated by the concert-going audience, and that people will enjoy beautiful music wherever and whenever it is performed.

I, as president of Newtown Friends of Music, wish to most emphatically assure our audience members and the general public that we will not cancel a performance, and that we would return any monies already spent if the customer were not 100 percent satisfied. We manage our finances very carefully and rely on the hard work and generosity of volunteers for almost everything that needs doing.

We are looking forward to three more concerts this spring and as we are working on engaging artists for the 32nd year we are aware of the difficult economic times and we adjust accordingly. But we shall never send out a curt message that we close our doors and cannot reimburse ticket holders.

Ellen K. Parrella

President

Newtown Friends of Music

PO Box 295, Newtown                                            February 18, 20009