Our performance in June of  Il Trovatore was most enjoyable both artistically and also because of the excellent turnout and enthusiastic appreciation given to our singers. It was a fitting conclusion to another excellent year for Rockland Opera.

When the Archaeologist Howard Carter in 1925 was given the privilege of being the first person to look inside the newly discovered tomb of Tutankhamen, he was asked what he saw. His first words were," I see wondrous things." In sober reflection of our own wondrous arc of artistic service to so many of our community over 23 years, we can all be proud of everyone who has made all of these wondrous things possible.

All of you have become increasingly aware in our Board discussions, and probably have sensed at one time or another, the complexity and troublesome nature of our financial condition. The general economy has impacted many non-profit organizations, and this includes our beloved Rockland Opera. All of the artistic decisions, including the creation of shortcuts in realizing our artistic visions, the taking of personal loans to see us through, and constantly facing the knowledge of ever-increasing costs have all brought home the reality of whether or not we could proceed confidently to an uncertain economic future, and, more  specifically, if we should continue our service for the upcoming 2009-10 season. We believe the time has arrived when we must respect the inevitable consequences of these economic problems and bring our service to an end.

Therefore, it is with a measure of sadness that we must end our mission, but not before we express our tremendous appreciation for your time and service over the years in our mutual endeavor of love. It has been our own treasure house of wondrous things, both personally and for our community.