Problems at LA Opera and SF Opera

The recession has caused major problems for both the Los Angeles Opera and San Francisco Opera.

According to a report in the Los Angeles Times, the LA Opera has "laid off 17 employees, or approximately 17% of its staff. It has also mandated a pay cut for all employees, averaging 6% but with higher-paid staffers taking an 8% cut." They will also cut performances from 64 to 48.

The San Francisco Chronicle reports that the SF Opera will cut back on the number of performances and will scrap a planned production of Britten's "Peter Grimes."