There was a moment in time when Boston really did not have any opera. This rapid growth is really a response to a vacuum that existed.

I think it has created an excitement for opera that will produce growing audiences. Nationally, it is important that operas have robust partners across the country to join in productions. That will mean Denver audiences will see some leading productions that have been produced in other places.

There are very, very few companies that can boast of a balanced budget year after year without interruption.

I think that a national audience would take note if such a marvelous facility were in trouble.

If time were the wicked sheriff in a horse opera, I'd pay for riding lessons and take his gun away.

At the same time, it is a cheap way to achieve maximum effect for the union. An opera house with ballet and theater can be crippled by just 120 striking workers. Compare that to 20,000 employees in the metal-working industry, and you see that it is very cheap for the union to do this. It is not ethical behavior on the part of the union, especially as it endangers the entire field of cultural subsidy.