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Opera board not provided with information requested
Until the books are opened, no one outside the Board and overcompensated employees should donate to this San Diego Opera, no one can know where the money will go. Gestures like Ms. Lazier's, from a board member, give hope that the organization might reform without dissolution, but ***NO ONE SHOULD EVER DONATE TO AN ORGANISATION WITHOUT TRANSPARENT BOOKS.***— April 5, 2014 10:42 a.m.
Opera board not provided with information requested
The production shop would be a simple way to juggle the books, by keeping stored productions on the books as assets, whether they could be rented out or not. The problem might be that the productions are worthless, and the book value the stuff of dreams. I'm thinking that my concern to save the physical assets might be misplaced, perhaps it's better to start new. If the Board and Management won't get out of the way by resigning, perhaps it's better to give up on the whole company. The money still left will likely go to lawyers or in the fulfillment of fraudulent contracts. Seems like money once again has brought everything crashing down, but I promise you somewhere a young woman is learning a Lorelai's chant, so beautiful that anyone with a heart must turn away from greed towards love. That magic song doesn't work on everyone, perhaps doesn't last forever, but it's outlasted almost every currency, nation and corporation. Ars langa vitae brevis.— April 4, 2014 12:34 a.m.
Opera board not provided with information requested
Ian Campbell has freelanced as director for other Opera companies while Director of San Diego Opera, I don't know when or how often, but this should be considered when evaluating his salary. If his fees were slushed together with set rentals, that would be interesting also. The dissolution seems more likely opportunistic rather than well planned or a response to sudden unexplained disaster. The opportunity might be the separation of the acclaimed production studio from the Opera company that has been bled dry to create it. Ian Campbell may intend to fly around the world directing productions created for a defunct San Diego Opera. He could have an offer from another company also, undoubtedly he would deserve such an offer if the books are in order. Why not show the books?— April 3, 2014 2:22 p.m.
Opera board not provided with information requested
Sad when the guesswork on this blog is more accurate than the statements of those who have the figures at their fingertips, because they have the intent to deceive. There can be no other reason for denying board members access to the books. We can only speculate on the most important issue, what remains of the Opera's assets, and what is intended for them. One of those assets is the Opera's scenic shop, and the sets, props and costumes in inventory. Unlike the Opera as a whole, this part might possibly be run at a profit, and is currently renting out productions to other Operas. Their advertising is enlightening. http://www.sdoperascenicstudios.com/Home/ What is intended for this Opera asset might explain some of the strange conflicting statements and evasions we've been subjected to.— April 3, 2014 12:32 a.m.
Opera board still looking for donors
He drove the company to disaster, by cooking the books most likely, it's not defensible. The Board was swindled.— April 2, 2014 7:24 a.m.
Opera board still looking for donors
They certainly have perpetrated a fraud on the public, taking money meant to support Opera for themselves, claiming to be millions in the black one day, and unable to make payroll the next. We haven't seen the books yet, but I can't believe the whole Opera Board was in on the scam. I'm still ready to believe that the Campbells just mishandled the money without criminal intent, though every day they don't show the books makes me more skeptical.— April 1, 2014 11:21 p.m.
Opera board still looking for donors
I don't believe they would go out with Massenet if they planned this for months. I'm ready to believe horrible things about Ian Campbell, but as with Scarpia, I don't question his taste.— April 1, 2014 9:27 p.m.
Opera board still looking for donors
Who pays the piper calls the tune. Once we find out the finances, we'll figure out how much local Opera must shrink.— April 1, 2014 9:22 p.m.
Opera board still looking for donors
Why not make them sing for their money? If no one wants to hear them without millions in support and frippery their singing is worthless. Pop musicians with no voice put on shows for thousands with less help. "Watered down beer" is Aussie for standard American beer like Budweiser or Coors, and especially light beers. It's one thing not to drink it, it's another not to serve it at a bar.— April 1, 2014 9:06 p.m.
Opera board still looking for donors
Since the singers must be paid anyway, under their contracts, I would hope they could draw enough audience to pay for the hall. I saw some Met 2nd stringers put on a Figaro at Sherwood in the 70s, eight singers, two pianos, no sets. Honestly, I never enjoyed an Opera more.— April 1, 2014 8:49 p.m.