[log in to unmask] writes:

>Is this a question of a lack of interest, a lack of (opera venue) funding,
>too time consuming for academics or is there some other explanation?

Boston has at least two first class venues for opera regardless of the
lack of a specific named space.  Both the Emerson Majestic and the Wang
Center (within one block of each other) are well suited to stage opera.
Since its upgrading a generation ago, the Wang can provide the largest
possible space for staging gigantic operatic productions.  There are
also several legitimate theater venues for staging smaller size musiscal
productions both in the city center proper and in the immediate suburbs.
Boston CAN provide the right size location for practically any performance
including Symphony Hall which saw the staging of Madam Butterfly just a
couple years ago.

Bernard Gregoire
Hingham, MA