Let’s make no fat-lady-singing jokes; this is just sad. Opera Hamilton announced today that it would “cease operations.” The company has canceled its upcoming gala Popera, scheduled for Saturday night, as well as its production of Carmen that was set to go up in April. After years of financial stress, with staff still owed money, Opera Hamilton will turn to Mayor Bob Bratina for a possible solution. Says the mayor, ”personally, I would not want to be the mayor overseeing the loss of a cultural asset like Opera Hamilton. I am certainly going to try as the mayor to see what we can do help overcome the difficulties.”

Well, that’s nice.  For all the sordid details, read Leonard Turnevicius’ article in the The Hamilton Spectator.