The San Diego Opera on Friday announced an agreement to co-produce the world premiere of "Great Scott" with the Dallas Opera, in another sign of a rebound for the local company, which had been headed for extinction.
"Great Scott," by acclaimed composer Jake Heggie, is set to open the Dallas Opera's 2015-16 season and will come to San Diego for the 2016-17 season. It will be staged by former Old Globe director Jack O'Brien.
The San Diego Opera announced in March that it would shut down due to what board members at the time believed to be intractable financial problems. However, a board shakeup and fundraising campaign led to an announcement last month that the company would put on another season next winter.
"For months now, the San Diego Opera saga has been the most closely watched story in the western opera world," Dallas Opera General Director and CEO Keith Cerny said. "It is incredibly gratifying to be able to welcome the company as a partner in this exhilarating project. San Diego Opera's involvement sends a powerful message to our industry — and the message is this, San Diego Opera is here to stay and planning for an exciting future."
Cerny says he has "tremendous confidence" in the San Diego Opera's new leadership, with board president Carol Lazier and artistic advisor William Mason.
Lazier said opera leaders Dallas were "champions for our continued survival since day one, offering advice and logistical support during these transitional times."
