its accomplishments, and its future plans. The fully renovated, state-of-the-art theater opened in October 2005 as The Stephen and Mary Birch North Park Theatre, with Lyric Opera San Diego as its managing tenant. This made the company one of only twelve opera companies in the United States that own or operate their own venues, and the only one in California. However, mortgage and other costs proved an enormous financial strain on the company. Lyric Opera put the property up for sale in January 2011, but was unable to find a buyer. In October 2011 the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. There were no productions in 2012, and as of November 2012 their website offered only advertising links to shows by other companies. The Birch North Park Theatre was still in use for occasional film festivals and musical or theatrical performances. As of October 2013 the web page was a dead link. References External links Official website Musical groups established in 1979 California culture California opera companies 2011 disestablishments in California Defunct organizations based in California