Janos Gereben <[log in to unmask]> writes:

>All language coach positions at the San Francisco Opera were eliminated
>on Sunday, according to SF Classical Voice sources.  Officially not yet
>confirmed, news of the sweeping action came as a shock to the staff,
>even as details of cutbacks worth $5 million keep trickling in from the
>deficit-ridden administration.

This would have a bright silver lining, if it meant that San Francisco
Opera intended to take a step forward and perform everything in a language
their audience could understand.  Alas ...  a still, small voice tells
me such hopes are doomed!

Alternatively, the cuts might mean that wonderfully cheap, utilitarian
trench coats might uniformly replace the sequinned dresses insured for
thousands and worn to perk up the egos of those old monsters, the
stand-and-sing divas!

Christopher Webber, Blackheath, London, UK
http://www.zarzuela.net
"ZARZUELA!" The Spanish Music Site