A review in UT-San Diego of the San Diego Opera's production of Don Quixote pretty much says it all about what's happening there:
So much for the opera’s wish for a death with dignity.When Ian Campbell came out on the Civic Theatre stage Saturday night and introduced himself prior to what may be the San Diego Opera’s final production, Massenet’s Don Quixote, he was greeted by jeers and hisses.
It seemed unthinkable, given that this is the opera, the most refined and sophisticated of the performing arts. And this is San Diego, where decorum, and a laid-back attitude, is all but written into our civic code.
While some people stood and tried to cover the catcalls by applauding, others screamed and yelled “Ian, resign!” and worse. Campbell tried to joke his way out of it, promising the crowd they had to nothing to fear as he wasn’t going to sing, but to little avail.
It was a sad scene, as Campbell is the individual who has sustained this company for years, and now, even as some members of the board are looking for alternatives to closing, he’s the one who continues to dig the San Diego Opera’s grave. And he seems impatient that some members of the board are having second thoughts about burying a body that still has a pulse.
Yes, "To dream the impossible dream / To fight the unbeatable foe / [most likely] To bear with unbearable sorrow ..."