Syracuse Opera Cancels Remainder of 23/24 Season, Citing Financial Uncertainty

The chair of the company's board, Camille Tisdel, says audience numbers are down 40—60% from their pre-pandemic figures

Syracuse Opera, which has been operating continuously since its founding in 1974, has canceled the remainder of the 2023/24 season and furloughed its staff. The company cited waning post-COVID audience numbers as the primary factor in the decision, with board chair Camille Tisdel saying that ticket sales have dropped between 40% and 60% since the pandemic.

Three previously planned productions will now no longer proceed: the WWI opera All Is Calm, the musical The Fantasticks, and Rossini's The Barber of Seville. Additionally, the company's five employees (one full-time and four part-time) will be placed on furlough.

Audience members who already hold tickets for the canceled performances can convert their ticket price into a donation to the company, or attend performances by Syracuse's sister company in Binghamton instead. Alternatively, they may request a refund — though the company is unable to guarantee that this option will be viable.

"While our recent productions have been artistically excellent and impactful, like many opera companies across the country, ticket sales have been considerably lower than projected, and we do not have the financial ability to continue the season," Tisdel wrote in a statement.

"Additionally, given the economic climate and uncertainty in our world, grant support, sponsorship, and donations are all in jeopardy with no real promise of a return to pre-pandemic giving levels."