The Lyric endorsed the proposal unanimously pending revised legal documents resubmitted to the Cleveland Opera.

The companies are hoping for more than $1 million in transition funds from local foundations; they will learn the results of their application in several weeks. The two boards voted to use a business plan written by an associate of the international arts consulting firm AEA Consulting.

The merger has been prompted by fiscal challenges facing both companies; the possible consolidation was first discussed two years ago. The Cleveland Opera productions would possibly be reduced from four productions per season to two; while the Lyric Opera would continue to stage productions during the summer.