The closure date for San Diego Opera has been postponed until May 19 to give organizers more time to fundraise for a 50th season.
Carol Lazier, the former board secretary, is now acting president after Karen Cohn resigned Thursday night along with 12 other directors in a board meeting that lasted more than four hours. Lazier recently offered $1 million to help the opera company research and define ways to save the 49-year-old institution.
Lazier said Ian Campbell, the opera's artistic and general manager, is still with the company.
“We have a devoted staff, an energized association and a board newly focused on finding novel and fiscally responsible ways to present great opera to the city of San Diego," Lazier said in a statement released by the Opera on Friday. "I have been deeply encouraged by the outpouring of public support, and the genuine and enthusiastic participation by the San Diego Symphony, Opera America and the opera world. Together we can recreate San Diego Opera’s future.”
The board voted 16-14, with three members abstaining, to move the closure date. Soon after, board members resigned and walked out of the meeting.
The two extra weeks will allow the newly reconstituted board time to raise money for a possible 2015 season. During Thursday's emotionally charged meeting, a budget was presented that slashed costs for the season by at least 40%.
Last month, Campbell announced the opera would close on April 13 after the final production of "Don Quixote." Twelve days later, the deadline was moved to April 29.
