A meeting of the San Diego Opera’s board of directors Thursday resulted in a upheaval in the organization’s leadership. Board President Karen Cohn walked out of the meeting along with a group of other members. Later, journalists were told, Cohn had resigned. Opera director Ian Campbell left the meeting also before it ended. According to press reports 30 of the board’s 50 members remain active. Board secretary Carol Lazier was named acting board president. Earlier this month, Lazier donated $1 million to exploring a new way forward for the opera company.
Observers think this is encouraging news and could led to a new departure after the Board voted to shut down due to financial problems. The decision has been severely disapproved inside as well as outside of the company.
