It appears the 27th edition of Bach & Beyond Baroque Music Festival will likely be the last. In a letter sent to Fredonia Opera House patrons, Executive Director Rick Davis spelled out some important fiscal realities that come with an undertaking that takes weeks of planning.

Scheduled this year from June 10 to 16, Davis said sponsorships and ticket sales for the event have decreased while costs continue to rise. “One of the ways we have been able to control costs of the Festival is through housing our musicians in the homes of supporters and board members,” Davis said in the February letter. “This saves on the cost of accommodations. Understandably, this type of donated housing has been harder to secure since COVID; and this past year, we had to pay to house some of our musicians.”

There is no questioning the talent and excellence that comes through in each edition of these events. They have been some of the more memorable performances held at the historical location.

Davis, who has done a fantastic job at the Opera House’s helm, is always optimistic. He asks those who plan to attend the late spring event to cherish the memories and music for one final year.

That’s one graceful way to say goodbye to an event that means so much to a venue and community.