Nick Bloom

So opera companies are strapped to continue producing the number of productions and performances that they do.

And it is disappointing to see the economics of the arts becoming even more difficult in

I think we all have to be hopeful.

And the history of opera is that it has survived many periods of turmoil and crisis.

I do say to people that if you have a life in opera, you've got to be an optimist.

It's too hard to put on a performance every night with choristers, orchestra musicians, soloists, and stagehands all working together.

You have to wake up in the morning believing you can do it.

Otherwise, you'll just get stuck under the burden of the challenges.

So opera people are inherently optimistic, and I think we continue to believe in the art form.

Opera is about the world we live in today.

So we are confident about the art form and optimistic we'll find a way.

I'm very grateful to be here.

Thank you.