Local soprano is new boss at Fort Worth Opera
NewsThe sun barely set in Texas before they rounded up another steer else to run the troubled opera company.
Afton Battle, the first African-American to run a major opera, quit just three weeks ago.
Her replacement is Angela Turner Wilson, 51, Fort Worth-based soprano and Texas Christian University’s chair of the vocal arts division.
“We were looking for strong leadership, performance experience on a national scale and someone who knows how to manage and grow an important arts organization,” said Fort Worth Opera Board Vice Chairman Hayne Shumate.
She was one of the women who accused Placido Domingo of … (which euphemism do I want here?) … violating boundaries. She was one of the very few willing to put her name out there publicly.
The use of the word ‘steer’ as used here is insulting to both women. Kindly reconsider!
Please climb down from your cross…Fort Worth is historically self-described as “Cowtown”, so “steer” is apt wordplay. (Very clever, Mr. Lebrecht!)
I wonder if anyone appropriate will ever run this company.
Rudolf Kruger did an estimable job for 28 years…
I certainly mean no disrespect to Ms. Wilson but I think most would agree that running a university vocal program is quite different than running a professional opera company. We wish her well.
Interesting would be to see the society reaction to the comment of Russel Thomas on FB about it, that I find rassist and disgusting: “Rusty L. Thom
WOW! How quickly we celebrate white mediocrity. Someone with no experience in fundraising which is what your company needs more than anything. I guess the calculus is a white person is better – so all the racists will bring their money back! Good luck FWO!”
As a Fort Worth native, its opera company has always reached beyond what the city is capable of supporting. It has done some very fine work (having seen it for over 60 years), but for a limited audience. The resources and interest are much greater in Dallas.
I know nothing about Ms. Wilson, but her qualifications are probably as good as anyone wanting to take that position. I wish her well and advise her to listen to the community. Fort Worth has a unique culture which will always win.
By all means, when your company is already in huge trouble, definitely hire yet another person who has no experience in such matters. It’s the Board that should be fired. (Yes, I know that’s not how it works. Unfortunately.)