Why was San Diego panicked into shutting down?

Up to the last board-room minute yesterday, plans were being made for a 50th season of opera in San Diego. Directors and conductors were planning productions. We know of one singer who, just a few days ago, received a signed contract for next season. The suddennes of the decision is perplexing.

So why was San Diego panicked into shutting down?

Was there a financial shortfall that has not been disclosed?

Did its general manager run out of energy after 30 years?

To terminate an opera company with such finality after a season is fully planned begs more questions than Ian Campbell was prepared to answer. Full disclosure will out in due course but, for the moment, there are question marks over this precipitate closure.