As a member of the board of directors of Opera New Hampshire, I am deeply saddened by the sudden closing of a sister community arts organization in Granite State Opera. The loss of any performing arts association undercuts the cultural richness of our state which, in turn, diminishes us all.

Almost as sad, however, is the Monitor's failure ("Curtain falls on Granite State Opera Company," A&E, April 16) to even mention Opera New Hampshire, where the tradition of live opera performances, standing ovations and extensive educational outreach thrives and grows with strong funding from approximately 38 foundations and corporate donors - plus creative fundraising efforts, an impressive list of yearly subscribers and steadily mounting ticket sales.

This past year, Opera New Hampshire presented rousing productions of Carmen and Aida to enthusiastic audiences at the Palace Theatre in Manchester. Additionally, a live performance of La Serva Padrona, specially staged for juvenile audiences, is being taken to 10 elementary schools in the Manchester area as part of our Children's Opera Program.

Happily, Opera New Hampshire will end its fiscal year in the black, ready to move forward with a performance of Mozart's Don Giovanni by Teatro Lirico D'Europa on Oct. 24, and Verdi's Rigoletto by The Mozart Festival Opera on March 13, 2010, both at the Palace Theatre. And plans are being formulated to expand Opera New Hampshire's children's program beyond Manchester in 2010.

Opera New Hampshire takes pride in the artistic excitement it generates and also in emphasizing the kind of stewardship that helps ensure that the excitement endures and grows.

We hope our modest success story is not overlooked amid the disheartening news so often surrounding the performing arts in today's difficult economy.

RUTH-ELLEN POST

Windham