Cantonal government wants major subsidies for Zurich opera

The cantonal government is proposing subsidies for the Zurich opera of SFr352 million ($226 million) over the next six years. If approved, the cash injection would translate into annual contributions of SFr58 million ($37 million).

The cantonal government is proposing subsidies for the Zurich opera of SFr352 million ($226 million) over the next six years.

The proposal, presented at a news conference on Friday, will now be debated by parliament. If approved, the cash injection would translate into annual contributions of SFr58 million ($37 million).

The cantonal government also wants to support the construction of a new building to house the opera’s technical facilities and administration offices.

“The subsidies are meant to signal our support for culture in general, and the Zurich opera in particular,” government member Markus Notter told journalists.

The proposals come just weeks after the Zurich opera defied pessimistic predictions and announced a profit of SFr148,000 ($95,000) for the past financial year.

Management says the Zurich opera is one of the most cost-effective and best-managed in Europe. For the 1999-2000 season, it has scheduled no less than 13 new opera and ballet productions – a number it says marks an international record.

From staff and wire reports.