Dear Chuck,
I am resigning my position on the Board of New York City Opera as of today, June 23, 2011.
It breaks my heart to see my beloved Company, with which I have sung over 160 performances over 25 years, become a ghost. I cannot adequately express in words the honor that I felt when I was invited onto the roster, in 1983, by Beverly Sills. The many performances in leading roles at Lincoln Center invaluably benefitted my career. My colleagues have expressed the same gratitude for the opportunity to perform in such a revered arts center. As we grew as individual performers, we were able to contribute more to the Company as a whole. I was delighted to participate in the opening celebration of the David H. Koch Theater – it was the Company’s homecoming. I can not support this move from Lincoln Center; it compromises the Company’s standing on every level.
I am resigning my position on the Board of New York City Opera as of today, June 23, 2011.
It breaks my heart to see my beloved Company, with which I have sung over 160 performances over 25 years, become a ghost. I cannot adequately express in words the honor that I felt when I was invited onto the roster, in 1983, by Beverly Sills. The many performances in leading roles at Lincoln Center invaluably benefitted my career. My colleagues have expressed the same gratitude for the opportunity to perform in such a revered arts center. As we grew as individual performers, we were able to contribute more to the Company as a whole. I was delighted to participate in the opening celebration of the David H. Koch Theater – it was the Company’s homecoming. I can not support this move from Lincoln Center; it compromises the Company’s standing on every level.
My own union, AGMA, and Local 802 (the orchestra union) spoke on Tuesday. The chorus and the orchestra ARE the New York City Opera; they are the heart of every producing company. These musicians have dedicated their careers to the New York City Opera and they deserve to be treated with the same respect with which we would treat the members of our family. If their contribution to serving the music we perform is not valued, then the Company cannot in good faith continue.
It saddens me to leave any part of City Opera. I had hoped to help the Company in some small way - and the young singers who seek the road I was fortunate to have opened for me at NYCO.
Please listen to the orchestra and the chorus. Please listen to the solo artists, stage directors, dancers, coaches, conductors and administrative staff members who have gone before. There is an untapped reservoir of knowledge and commitment available for the asking.
Change course. Change course again.
With deepest regret,
Joyce Castle
The New York City Opera Orchestra received consent from Ms. Joyce Castle to use her letter in its entirety. We cannot be held liable for any individuals who choose to publish Ms. Castle's letter in part or in its entirety without her written consent. Please link to or reference this post on saveNYCO.org instead.
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