On Jan. 23, Ópera de Toulon announced that it was firing the 21 members of its chorus.

The French company said that the board and administration decided to make this cut due to economic issues and that the chorus members will work until June 2025 when the 2024-25 season ends. As a result, it has created pushback in the opera industry and among the affected chorus members.

According to reports, the affected chorus members are set to take legal action as they believe the company will likely hire temporary singers.

In a statement to Le Figaro bass Richard Garnier said, “The director spoke and announced the dismissal of the choir.” He added that in the coming days, other French choruses will organize performances in support of their colleagues in Toulon.

Soprano Adriana Gonzalez, who performed regularly with the company, said, “Extremely shocked and disappointed by the suppression of the Ópera de Toulon Chorus. Having been part of the productions in this beautiful and relevant opera house in France, I got to know them and enjoy their devotion to music. I hope this decision is not permanent and the choir will be eventually restored, as they are a fundamental part of the opera house.”

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