"It's a strange feeling having this awareness that this might be the last opera that gets done at Lambert Hall depending on who buys this property," Isomura says."There's just no way of knowing and we have very little control. So we're actively seeking out appropriate alternative venues that are a good size and fit."
One thing Isomura wants to stress is that any potential move — they've been told by the church they need to vacate by the end of July — doesn't mean dire circumstances for Opera in the Heights. Yes there will be change, but he fully anticipates being able to mount a respectable 2022-23 season wherever it plays out.
"Primarily what makes Lambert Hall a wonderful opera venue is it is only 280 seats," Isomura says."Every seat is a good seat and when you’re there you feel connected to the action. You can see every expression on the face of the singers, you can see the [24-piece] orchestra in plain view which is very unique rather than under the stage. They are at the side of the stage and audience members always talk about how much energy they get from the orchestra's playing.
Opera in the Heights has one more show this season after Eugene Onegin, but it is Scalia/Ginsberg being presented at the Holocaust Museum Houston. While acknowledging the positive aspects of a change in circumstances, Isomura also noted that without that office and storage area that they are probably going to have to cull the props and costumes they have amassed and their will be additional expenses.