Whoa, that’s a shock for The Dallas Opera – despite the new Winspear Opera House and all that it promises. Press release follows the jump:Karen Stone to Step Down
As General Director of The Dallas Opera
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Resignation effective September 30, 2007
The Dallas Opera will launch an immediate search for her successor
DALLAS, August 8, 2007 – The Dallas Opera announced today that Karen
Stone, the fifth General Director of the Company, will resign effective
September 30, 2007 in order to pursue other opportunities.
Ms. Stone explained, “I’ve enjoyed my four years in Dallas
tremendously, but I’ve decided that I want to focus more on the art
form and less on the fund raising that’s required to support the level
of quality that Dallas audiences have rightly come to expect. I’m
making this move now in order to give the Company time to bring in my
successor well in advance of the move to the Margot and Bill Winspear
Opera House in October of 2009.”
Jay Marshall, President of the Board of Directors, said, “Under
Karen’s leadership, The Dallas Opera has continued to grow
artistically and is well-prepared for our exciting future. The whole
Board appreciates her contributions and her support in this
transition.”
Karen Stone became General Director in 2003. Her tenure included
achievements such as the creation of the first Dallas Opera Young
Artists’ Program, the launch of the exciting 50th anniversary
season-long celebration of the Company’s founding, and numerous
artistic triumphs including Dallas Opera premieres of Ariadne auf Naxos,
Rodelinda, Luisa Miller, The Queen of Spades, Nabucco, Maria Stuarda, La
Rondine, and Lohengrin.
The Board of Directors will form a search committee as soon as
possible. While that search is underway, John Cody, Chairman of the
Board and former President and Chief Operating Officer of JCPenney, will
oversee the activities of The Dallas Opera leadership team. Cody said,
“We are blessed with a team of talented individuals who have guided
the Company for years. The Opera will be in excellent shape until we
can find the right person to succeed Karen Stone.”
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