We are determined to bring a new audience to opera. If we don't, then I'm afraid the form will wither and die.

For a lot of people, price and the length of performances are obstacles to coming into an opera house. Also there is a sense of elitism that keeps people from coming into the doors.

I would say that our finally getting a new theater is more likely than not. There are still hurdles to jump, and it will take a great deal of work to bring it to completion, but the excitement of achieving it also adds enormously to the appeal of the job. I feel comfortable leaving City Opera in other hands.