Illustration credit: Edel Rodriguez

Producing an expensive, elaborate contemporary opera during a recession tested the company and community.

Vancouver Opera's decision to produce the Canadian premiere of John Adams's 1987 opera Nixon in China during this time was a tricky proposition. Why risk alienating audiences, subscribers and donors with a daring contemporary work? Why risk breaking a string of fiscally successful years? And why spend a lot of money on something that may not pay off at the box office?

General Director James W. Wright answer these questions in the Vancouver Sun. Click here to read more.