Shane Gasbarra, San Francisco Opera's director of artistic and music administration, is leaving the company for reasons not disclosed by the administration.
Officially, Gasbarra's departure is scheduled for May 31, but according to sources, he is no longer working for the Opera.
The news is unexpected because Gasbarra has been General Director David Gockley's second in command in San Francisco for the last two years and previouly the Houston Grand Opera.
Gasbarra has managed artistic planning for the company, including repertoire choice, commissions and principal artists. He has overseen all areas of operations, including orchestra, chorus and dancer administration.
Among Gasbarra's most important accomplishments was dealing with the American Guild of Musical Artists and American Federation of Musicians. With Gasbarra in charge, agreements with orchestra musicians and chorus members were concluded quickly and to general satisfaction.
As Gockley expanded the Opera's broadcasting and telecasting activities, he thanked Gasbarra publicly for his role in difficult negotiations leading to new uses of technology.
Expected to fill in for Gasbarra is his assistant, Carrie Murphy.Production Director Drew Landmesser and Chief Financial Officer Michael Simpson remain in their current positions.
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