The Houston Grand Opera has announced that it has received a $2.5 million loan from the Payment Protection Program (PPP).

The loan will allow the company to rehire back the 25 employees furloughed during the COVID-19 pandemic and salary reductions originally planned for May 1, will no longer take place. The furloughed employees will be able to return to work on May 4.

The Houston Grand Opera was forced to make cuts when the company closed due to the coronavirus pandemic and was rejected for the first round of aid. In total, the company lost $15 million after canceling the remainder of the 2019-20 season.

Perryn Leech, HGO’s Managing Director, said, “We are thrilled that our loan application was approved quickly and that HGO can now move forward in a more secure financial position, including retaining our entire staff. The economic effects of the pandemic have been far reaching for HGO and many other arts organizations. Our staff members have been steadfast and unwavering in their support during this difficult time, as they were during Hurricane Harvey. I’m relieved that we can continue their employment as we look forward to our 2020-21 season starting in October.”

The Houston Grand Opera is the latest opera company that has been helped by the PPP. A week ago the Seattle Opera announced that it had received $2.3 million and rehired 180 members.