San Diego News

The Opera will stage one performance of Verdi's "Requiem" March 20, and four performances of Massenet's "Don Quixote" April 5, 8, 11 and 13 before ceasing operations.

Posted by Michelle Mowad (Editor) , March 20, 2014 at 09:59 AM

The San Diego Opera's Board of Directors voted Wednesday to fold next month, following the final performance of its 2014 season.

The opera will wind down operations after the last performance of "Don Quixote" on April 13, CEO Ian Campbell said.

"After nearly 50 years as a San Diego cultural cornerstone providing world-class performances, we saw we faced an insurmountable financial hurdle going forward," Campbell said. "We had a choice of winding down with dignity and grace, making every effort to fulfill our financial obligations, or inevitably entering bankruptcy, as have several other opera companies."

Board Chairwoman Karen Cohn said it was a heart-wrenching, but unavoidable decision.

"After 28 consecutive years of balanced budgets, it was clear that we could not continue," Cohn said. "In spite of excellent financial management, the Opera faced increasingly higher ticket-sale and fund-raising hurdles."

The patron and donor base for opera companies are diminishing nationwide. Opera companies in New York City, Boston, Cleveland, Baltimore, San Antonio and Orange County have gone out of business recently, according to the San Diego Opera.

The Opera will stage one performance of Verdi's "Requiem" March 20, and four performances of Massenet's "Don Quixote" April 5, 8, 11 and 13 before ceasing operations.

"Although it is a sad day for San Diego culturally, we have to thank everyone who supported us for nearly 50 years," Campbell added. "It is better to go out with dignity, on a high note with heads held high than to slip into the night, leaving creditors and community in the lurch."

The Opera originated as the San Diego Opera Guild in 1950. The San Diego Opera Association was incorporated in 1965, and Campbell was hired from the Metropolitan Opera in 1983.

—City News Service

Saturday, April 19th, 2014 from Noon to 4:00 PM

Hillcrest, San Diego, CA — Take your palate by the hand and embark on your culinary tour of the world at the 14th Annual Taste of Hillcrest on Saturday, April 19th, 2014 from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Over 40 sumptuous restaurants will be serving bites, so delectable; they will have you feeling like a Culinary Attaché. From quaint cafés and budding bistros, to five-star dining decadence enjoy all the global cuisine Hillcrest has to offer.

Sample flavors of the Middle East, from Eba’s Lounge and Bistro, Spices of the “East” from Bombay Exotic Cuisine of India, and feel good classics from Harvey Milk’s American Diner. But don’t forget to indulge in some sweet delights at the famed D Bar San Diego.

Each participant is within walking distance, so enjoy the stroll or hop on the complementary shuttle for a “beeline” to your favorite spot. Start planning your tasty adventure now by visiting TasteofHillcrest.Com for a list of participants.

 1.  Au Revoir                                           18. Baja Betty’

2.    Bamboo Lounge                              19. T-Deli
3.    Bombay Exotic Cuisines of India 20. Luna Grill    
4.    Bo’s Seafood Market and Grill     21. Brazen BBQ
5.    Crest Café                                         22. D BAR
6.    Ebas Lounge & Bistro                    23. Fiesta Cantina
7.    Gossip Grill                                      24. Harvey Milk’s American Diner
8.    Heat Bar & Kitchen                       25. Hillcrest Brewing Company                                   
9.    Micho’z Fresh                                 26. Ortega’s, A Mexican Bistro
10.    Pinkberry Inc.                              27. The Tractor Room
11.    Uptown Tavern                             28. Urban Mo’s Bar & Grill
12.    Wine Steals                                    29. Nami Sushi
13.    Mama Testa Taqueria                 30. Taste of Thai
14.    Tandoori Hut                               31. BabyCakes
15.    Salt & Cleaver           
16.    EmpireHouse Urban Plate    
17.    Saigon on 5th        

Tickets to this not-to-be-missed event are just $30.00 in advance, and $35.00 the day of the event and all proceeds benefit the Hillcrest Business Association. Don’t let your taste buds down! Become a part of the fabulous tradition and purchase your ticket in advance, as this event promises to once again, be an absolute sell-out! For further information and ticket purchases, please visit www.TasteofHillcrest.com call 619.233.5008.

McFarlane Promotions, Inc. | 656 Fifth Ave., Suite B San Diego CA 92101
619-233-5008 Fax 619-233-0898 | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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