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Arts & Culture

San Diego Opera Settles With Ian Campbell

After months of negotiating, the San Diego Opera reached a settlement Thursday with former general director Ian Campbell and Ann Spira Campbell, the opera's former chief fundraiser.

The opera company released the following statement:

"San Diego Opera, Ian Campbell, and Ann Spira Campbell announced today that they have mutually resolved their differences arising out of their former employment relationships. Out of respect for each other’s privacy, no further comments about these resolutions will be made by any of the parties."

Ian Campbell, who led the opera for 31 years, guided the board of directors in a 33-1 vote in March to close the company, saying it was no longer financially sustainable.

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Weeks of turmoil followed as some board members rallied to save the organization. That led to a large portion of the board resigning, and Campbell and his ex-wife, Ann, were placed on paid administrative leave.

The new board, led by President Carol Lazier, later permanently ended the relationship with both Campbells. Lawyers for both sides have been negotiating the details of the settlement.

The San Diego Opera has announced a 2015 season, which will be the company's 50th.