German Opera May Lose Major Funding

(Photo: Bernd Uhlig)

"The orchestras at two of Berlin’s three big opera houses — the Comic and German Opera — are locked in a pay dispute with the city. Over the past two months, the musicians have taken industrial action including delaying performances, refusing to return after intermission and even canceling entire shows....It is grave news in a country that prides itself on being the home of Beethoven, Bach, Wagner and Handel. Germany has a staggering 133 full-time, professional orchestras — nearly a quarter of the world’s total — and spends more than 2 billion euros ($2.6 billion) a year subsidizing opera and concert houses."