Miami Lyric Opera to Close After Running for 22 Years

Founder and director Raffaele Cardone said the main catalyst behind the closure was a lack of funding

Miami Lyric Opera, which was founded by Artistic and General Director Raffaele Cardone 22 years ago, has been shut down. Its most recent production, a double-bill performance of Mascagni's Cavalleria Rusticana and Puccini’s Suor Angelica, was the last production its audiences will see.

Over its two decades of operation, the company prided itself on providing opportunities for up-and-coming singers to gain crucial exposure and experience before they entered major houses. Among these singers were baritone Nelson Martinez and tenor Mario Chang, who have gone onto major roles — including at the Metropolitan Opera.

In a statement, Cardone said that the main reason for the closure was budgetary, but also said that the time was right for retirement in his own life. In addition, he said that he objects to some recent developments in the ways that well-known operas are staged.

"The principal reason is financing — not enough being available to make a decent production," Cardone said. "Venue, labor, musicians and artist costs and others, have all increased."

"I have a great respect for the opera as originally conceived and accept updates as far as staging technology," he added. "Nevertheless, I cannot accept the new tendencies being pushed to the audience."

"I am almost 90 and in excellent health. I recognize that this is the right moment to retire from producing opera. But I will continue to provide my experience to new talents while enjoying my grandchildren and listening to good music."