January 5, 2020

Dear Island City Opera Patrons, Donors, and Artists,

It is with a heavy heart that, due to circumstances beyond our control, we must postpone our current plans for the March 2020 production of Dame Ethel Smyth’s The Wreckers.

As of January 1, 2020 the State of California put into effect new regulations. Island City Opera (ICO), with the guidance of legal counsel, has determined that these new rules apply to ICO and present significant new administrative and financial requirements. The ICO management team is investigating exactly what is required to meet the new rules, and developing a plan for the future.

In the meantime, although ICO had assembled a stellar cast, orchestra and production team, received strong support from donors and earned a spot on Joshua Kosman’s 2020 Must See list, ICO’s board and directors have decided unanimously that the only responsible course of action is to postpone our scheduled March 2020 production of Dame Ethel Smyth’s The Wreckers, until we can determine a clear path forward.

Island City Opera is a volunteer run organization. The challenge of investigating the practical consequences of these new regulations will consume all of our available effort for the next several weeks.

Our mission is to bring the joy of opera in an intimate setting to our community, bring to life great operatic works, some of which are rarely performed by larger companies, and provide professional opportunities for young artists, thereby deepening the fabric of our community, showcasing the breadth of the wonderful music of opera and helping musical artists gain valuable professional experience. 

Please bear with us as we create a path forward for presenting Opera in Alameda. 

Sincerely,

Island City Opera