Ride the warhorse out of the morass

I've attended nearly every opera these past few years (missed "As One" as I was traveling but saw the PBS video) and I would say the the opera has a new revived energy with younger audiences and some much needed diversity. I'd be more interested to read about where the opera is going instead of a rehash of events five years ago. Opera, after all, has been dealing with its impending death for hundreds of years. I'm less enthused about the warhorses this coming year, but my family and I will use it as a platform to bring friends and neighbors and maybe make some new fans. The old money in San Diego is going to fade and go away one day. The "beautiful people" will start to face their own mortality and establish legacy gifts at hospitals and universities, not the arts, in a grab for immortality. Perhaps the opera is ahead of the curve in replenishing that donor base. One thing I have noticed, the vocal quality of the opera has not diminished since David was hired. That's a good thing.
— March 22, 2018 3:33 p.m.

Finale or interlude?

But Don, we're not talking about her career here, we're talking about an engagement - which is a personal matter. So perhaps more pertinent to the story would have been "Neves recently sang in San Diego Opera's production of Murder in the Cathedral, an opera that had not been performed in the America since the 50's. Campbell directed the production." In fact, it's very possible this is where they met and began their relationship. This has more bearing on the story than her previous weight. Regardless, wish them the very best in their new city. And wish I could lose 162 pounds as well...
— October 15, 2014 10:52 a.m.

Finale or interlude?

Wish them the best of luck and many years of happiness. Eastlaker, the CA Attorney General audit is still underway, these things can take a very long time I believe. Don, I seem to recall reading of an earlier marriage by Mr. Campbell, making this his 4th.
— October 14, 2014 1:02 p.m.

Bitter split at San Diego Opera

A bit nearsighted monaghan, as the opera presents fully staged operas next year starting in January with the elaborate sets and costumes, skilled chorus and dancers, orchestra and live conductor you like. So, all is not lost, it's just different. And I, for one, welcome both sides of this. The grand opera model is wonderful when you can afford it but I'm also happy to see some alternative venues and programming in our city.
— September 2, 2014 4:26 p.m.

La Jolla Music outraises San Diego Opera over 10-1

This is a bit of apples to oranges, Don. San Diego Opera is raising money for a season, an ephemeral product that will be gone in 9 or so months. Poof. The La Jolla Music Society is raising money for a building, one we hope will be standing for generations to come. And we all know there are those out there who will put their money up if they can get their name on a building. You could say, they have an Edifice Complex (we say this with humor and respect, as these are the people who truly make our city great). San Diego Opera has no such building in which to offer naming rights as there are very few theatres in San Diego not in use with an orchestra pit. So the headline is a bit misleading, as both the music society and the opera are running very different races. Both important races, but very different ones. We wish them both the best!
— July 16, 2014 4:13 p.m.

Opera members advise: fire the Campbells

Don: I am told the staff do not need any convincing about a pay cut, they just need to be asked. I imagine they'll be asked once the go/no go decision to have a 2015 is reached. Eastlaker: I'm told the 2015 season is under contract so people should expect the same type of "grand style" of opera they've enjoyed in the past. 2016 is mostly contracted as well, again, so no major changes. One can assume there will be additional programming added that fall under "new and unusual" but everyone I've spoken to at the opera still plans on doing "grand style" opera such as "La Boheme" but using different sets rather than the same one that has been used in San Diego for the last few decades. I've seen "Madame Butterfly" at the opera now three times. It's been the same set. I would be happy to see if some of these "changes" are doing those great operas but renting different productions. Would sure keep me interested. I've also heard that lots of collaboration is underway. Sometimes it takes looking death in the eye to realize how good one actually has it.
— April 29, 2014 3:14 p.m.

Might Chargers eye property occupied by opera studio?

Don, I know of no staff members that want to start a new Company when there is the framework of an excellent one already in place. I'm told 99% of the staff support Carol Lazier who brings a forward thinking vision to the Company. The rest support the closing of the Company and are Campbell loylalists. There are only two groups, this I have heard from multiple sources as well as the so called "White Knight Committee."
— April 17, 2014 9:26 p.m.

Might Chargers eye property occupied by opera studio?

Actually a list of clients in your very own publication... regarding Latham and Watkins http://www.sandiegoreader.com/news/2005/jun/16/ou… "Comings and goings The departure of Cliff Williams as chief-of-staff for San Diego city councilman Scott Peters is causing a bit of a stir at city hall. Williams, who has worked for Peters in one role or another for the past five years, is moving over to the downtown office of the big national law firm Latham & Watkins to become a "land-use analyst". According to city records, Latham lawyer Allen Haynie is currently lobbying the council on behalf of 12 clients, including the Chargers, which retained Latham on April 27. Other clients are developer Black Mountain Ranch, LLC; Liberty Station's Corky McMillin Companies; Centurion Partners; big box retailer Home Depot; and Allied Waste Industries. The Chargers actually have two lobbyists working on their new stadium proposal; former Clinton-Gore campaign guru Mark Fabiani registered as a lobbyist for the team in January. He's said to be laboring to produce a possible Chargers-sponsored ballot measure that would end-run the city council by making the team's pitch for free Mission Valley land directly to voters. Having ex-city hall insider Williams on board to help push the measure might be invaluable to Stockton mega-millionaire Alex Spanos and son Dean, who own the team."
— April 16, 2014 11:28 a.m.

Might Chargers eye property occupied by opera studio?

Good on you, Don. Doesn't pass the sniff test. And Weaver has a Fabiani connection... Michael Weaver "has no affiliation with the opera or the Campbells", according to the recent UT article. But... http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-09-13/wynn-see… "Michael Weaver, a spokesman for Wynn Resorts, declined to comment on the deposition." and "Mark Fabiani, a spokesman for Elaine Wynn, declined to comment on her court filings."
— April 15, 2014 11:02 p.m.

San Diego Opera head says all want to save company

Don - clarification, I believe the Friday performance had a few seats left. Sunday was a sellout. Photo of the Company bow. Not just stagehands but the administrative staff - everyone - took a bow I'm told (except Ian and Ann). http://www.sandiegoreader.com/users/photos/2014/a… Did you see this? San Diego Opera Moves Forward: Alternative models of Opera in America A Town Hall Meeting Hosted by Nicolas Reveles THURSDAY, APRIL 17, 2014 4:30PM San Diego Civic Concourse, The Copper Room Downtown San Diego SPACE IS LIMITED and RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED: Click here to register. Join us to discuss the future of San Diego Opera by looking at ways other cities have ‘turned the corner’ on financial difficulty with energy and success. Panelists Will Include: Marc Scorca President and CEO, Opera America David Devan General Director, Opera Philadelphia
— April 13, 2014 11:05 p.m.