91.   The real reason is that opera companies like the Met are cumbersome and conservative places.

92.   The result, they warn, could be a runaway inflation in the cost of talent that will drive many fine opera companies and orchestras to insolvency.

93.   The rival NBC created its own opera company, presenting opera in English and emphasizing contemporary and American repertory.

94.   The sacred trust of tradition is something those who run major orchestras and opera companies also extol.

95.   The singers are nominated by critics, artistic directors and managers of opera companies and orchestras, and they do not know they are being considered for the prize.

96.   The super who invited the friend, however, was relieved of all future duties with the opera company.

97.   Then there are the more immediate, everyday problems of running an opera company.

98.   This is one reason she has been largely absent from the opera company in her hometown, the Royal Opera in Stockholm.

99.   Though opera is conducive to nontraditional casting, opera companies hardly have an unblemished record of welcoming black artists.

100.   Though opera companies are in pursuit, Ms. Zajick paces herself carefully.