Campbells on leave; SD Opera taking donations

Confirming what the Reader reported last evening (April 24), San Diego Opera announced today (April 25) that Ian Campbell, general director, and Ann Spira Campbell, his ex-wife and second in command, are now on leave. Actually, some kind of move like this was inevitable; the Campbells want to kill the company and the board majority now wants to continue, at least through 2015.

The board announced that fundraising options are in place. An escrow account has been set up. If a goal of $1 million is not reached by May 19, the donations will be returned to the donors. Tax-deductible donations restricted to the 2015 season can be made online at sdopera.com/moveforward or by phone at 619-533-7000 (Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.) San Diego Opera is also accepting unrestricted tax-deductible donations for the 2014 season.

Keith Fisher, who has been executive director of the company for the past 12 years, has been named chief operating officer.

As previously reported, San Diego Opera members will meet April 28 at 9 a.m. Carol Lazier, acting president of the board, will discuss options to preserve the company. The board will meet immediately after the members' meeting.