The shutdown of the Syracuse Symphony after this weekend has made for some last-minute scrambling for Syracuse Opera, which presents its last production of the season next weekend.  Opera General & Artistic Director Catherine Wolff says Syracuse Symphony normally contracts to provide players, but the musicians have been hired directly instead, and not all are from the Symphony:
Wolff says that at last Wednesday's rehearsal (the day after the Symphony announced suspension of its season) some 'regulars' had already pulled out to go on auditions and job-hunting trips.

'The Pearl Fishers' by Georges Bizet is set in Ceylon, and will include ethnic dancing choreographed by Syracusan Cheryl Wilkins-Mitchell, who's brought in a 'tutor' to teach the style to the opera's dancers.

Performances are Friday 8pm and Sunday (April 10)  2:30pm at Syracuse's Mulroy Civic Center at Oncenter. For more information  www.SyracuseOpera.com.

The Syracuse Symphony lays off all its musicians after Sunday, but there's one last performance of the full orchestra Saturday evening at 8pm at SU's Crouse College.  The concert is free.