Statement created together by the full staff of Central City Opera:

Opera begins and ends with the human voice communicating the heights and depths of the human experience. Part of that human experience must now include mourning the tragic losses of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and countless others and standing in solidarity with Black artists, creatives, colleagues, patrons and community members.

While our stages are dark and our buildings are closed, our hearts, ears and eyes are open to how we can amplify voices speaking out against racism, senseless violence and oppression. We will prioritize work to create a more accessible and inclusive art form in collaboration with our community. We must use our collective voice to stand up for justice, inclusion, understanding and equality.

We can and must do better.