The San Diego Opera Announces Strong Start to Crowdfunding Campaign

On Tuesday, the San Diego Opera announced that its crowdfunding campaign has brought in $328,475 since last Friday. Edward Wilensky, the Opera spokesman, said that 544 households had pledged an average gift of $604 as of mid-afternoon Tuesday.

The opera now has to raise $671,575 in three weeks. Opera officials have said that this money is vital to having a 2015 season that would be different from the past approach, which had four large-scale operas each season and a budget over more than $15 million.

If they fail to reach their May 19 deadline of $1 million or if San Diego Opera fails to announce a 2015 season, donors will get refunds. Those who give to the effort risk $8 dollars, which is the handling fee they'd be charged if the effort falls short.

The opera company is trying to revamp itself on the fly by "actively analyzing sustainable business models and various plans for future seasons."

San Diego Opera's board met Monday and elected a new set of officers. Carol Lazier was confirmed as president, Courtney Ann Coyle as executive vice president, James A. Merritt, vice president of finance and Frances R. Marshall, secretary and parliamentarian. The previous president, Karen Cohn, was one of 29 board members who resigned since the company had to start deciding whether to shut down or make changes to continue to present opera in San Diego with a new, scaled down approach. The opera is down to only 25 board members from its previous 54. The board resignations represent a loss of around $750,000 a year, since board members pay $25,000 annual dues.

The board divided over whether to surrender in the face of dwindling ticket sales and diminishing donations. Cohn and Ian Campbell, the company's general director and artistic director, felt they should end on a "dignified" and financially responsible note. After the 33 to 1 vote in March to shut down. Lazier emerged as a leader of those who dissented and who wanted to adapt to the changing conditions.

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