business, disposing of the Grand Hotel in Rome, but expanding the group in London. The Savoy Group remained under the control of the Carte family and its associates until 1994. Carte's hotels have remained among the most prestigious in London, with the London Evening Standard'' calling the Savoy "London's most famous hotel" in 2009. Rupert D'Oyly Carte refreshed the opera company's productions and added London seasons, beginning in 1919, as well as provincial and foreign tours. In 1948 Rupert died, leaving a strong company to his daughter Bridget D'Oyly Carte. However, the rising costs of mounting professional light opera without any government support eventually became too much for the company. Bridget was forced to close the company in 1982. Nevertheless, the Gilbert and Sullivan operas continue to be produced frequently today throughout the English-speaking world and beyond, and Carte's vision of wholesome light operas that celebrate Great Britain endures. Notes, references and sources Notes References Sources Further reading External links Biography of Richard D'Oyly Carte Profile of Richard D'Oyly Carte Opera Now article on blue plaque outside the home of Carte's youth. Account of the "Fracas at the Opera Comique" in 1879 1844 births 1901 deaths 19th-century English businesspeople Alumni of University College London British hoteliers Deaths from edema English theatre managers and producers Impresarios Opera managers People associated with Gilbert and Sullivan People educated at University College School People from Soho