The board of the Eugene Opera says it has raised enough money to pay off outstanding debts and prepare for two productions next season. In February, the company canceled its remaining season because of outstanding debts totaling $200,000.
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Board chair Barbara Wheatley says more than 100 donors came through to bring the company back to solvency.
"We received a lot of donations from people who previously had not donated at all," Wheatley said, "or who had donated at a much lower level. A lot of folks who had not been long time supporters really do care very much about us being here."
Eugene Opera says it will stage a New Year's performance of Rossini’s classic “The Barber of Seville.” A second production, "María de Buenos Aires," by tango master Ástor Piazzola is planned for May 2018.
Wheatley says public feedback spurred the board to split the company’s management structure. Going forward, artistic and administrative oversight will be handled by two separate directors. Previously, general director Mark Beudert performed both functions.