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We are writing to share the disheartening news that the National Endowment for the Arts has unexpectedly rescinded Opera Parallèle’s previously announced 2025 award in support of Harvey Milk Reimagined. The elimination of a significant source of funding for our landmark 15th-anniversary production only days before it opens has a profound impact on Opera Parallèle, as we had already incurred significant costs related to this ground-breaking opera, which–with more than 100 artists and artisans onstage, backstage, and in the orchestra–is OP’s largest production to date.
The NEA has determined that Harvey Milk Reimagined—a compelling portrayal of courage, resilience, and hope—does not align with the White House’s new artistic priorities. This is deeply unfortunate, and not only in terms of financial loss. OP’s NEA awards, uninterrupted over many years, were an implicit and objective recognition of artistic excellence by a respected, unbiased government institution, often leading to significant gifts from other sources.
Despite this setback, we remain steadfast in our commitment to presenting contemporary opera of the highest quality, telling the essential stories of the Bay Area’s vibrant and diverse communities, and bringing artists and audiences together in celebration of our shared humanity.
Thank you for your continued support for Opera Parallèle, and for the arts in general, which is more important now than ever. Please consider making a donation to support our artists, to amplify the power of music, and to ensure that opera is for everyone. Gifts pledged or received by Wednesday, May 21, will be recognized in the Harvey Milk Reimagined program book.
And please stand with us by attending a performance of Harvey Milk Reimagined, running May 31 through June 7 at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts.
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