[From SF Opera, 6/24/04]

   PAMELA ROSENBERG TO LEAVE POST AS SAN FRANCISCO OPERA'S GENERAL
   DIRECTOR IN 2006

   Association Begins Search for Successor

   SAN FRANCISCO, CA.  - The San Francisco Opera Association and
   General Director Pamela Rosenberg announced today that Ms.
   Rosenberg has elected not to renew her contract when it expires
   on July 31, 2006.

   San Francisco Opera Association President Karl Mills said the
   Association would immediately commence an international search
   for Ms.  Rosenberg's successor.

   "I am proud of the artistry I have helped bring to the Opera
   House stage and am excited about what is ahead of us in the next
   two years," Ms.  Rosenberg said.  "I am equally proud that the
   San Francisco Opera is on the path to good health and, by 2006,
   will be financially stable."

   Ms.  Rosenberg explained she had struggled with the decision to
   leave the Opera.  But after careful consideration she said, the
   decision reflects a desire to increase her focus on new works
   and productions.  "My time in San Francisco has been extraordinary;
   truly a time in my career I will always remember," she said.
   "As I look to the next phase in my career, I want to find more
   time to do what I love most, which is bringing new works to the
   operatic stage."

   Ms.  Rosenberg also cited the distance between her work in San
   Francisco and her children and grandchildren who live in Europe
   as another important reason for her decision, "Being this far
   from them has been more difficult than I anticipated," she
   explained.

   In a letter to Franklin Pitch Johnson, Jr., Chairman of the
   Opera's Board of Directors, and Mr.  Mills, Ms.  Rosenberg
   expressed gratitude to the Company, the Opera's Music Director
   Donald Runnicles, the Board and the community for their support
   and generosity.  "The generosity of this community in its love
   of opera and support for this Company is unequalled anywhere,"
   she said, "I also wish to take this opportunity to thank Donald
   Runnicles for being a wonderful artistic partner to me in every
   way.  Donald is one of the Company's most treasured assets." In
   her remarks to the Board, Ms.  Rosenberg added that she is
   especially pleased that Runnicles has indicated his strong desire
   to be an active part of this Company's artistic leadership beyond
   2006.

   Since joining San Francisco Opera in August 2001, Ms.  Rosenberg
   has added an impressive list of accomplishments to her credits
   including exciting American premieres, many vibrant productions,
   the introduction of new artists to the San Francisco audience
   and the upcoming presentation of Doctor Atomic (2006), a new
   opera by internationally recognized composer John Adams.

   "Pamela has written an important new chapter in San Francisco
   Opera's artistic history, one that has brought the Company new
   levels of international acclaim and recognition," said Pitch
   Johnson, "Her sense of craftsmanship, love of creating new works
   and passion for every detail has given San Francisco opera lovers
   a total experience where every element of the art comes together.
   The Opera will continue to build upon her artistic leadership
   and also upon its rich tradition of presenting opera performances
   of the highest international quality to the widest possible
   audiences."

   Association President Mills added, "We have been very fortunate
   to have Pamela as our leader.  Under her stewardship, the Company
   successfully turned the corner in our five-year plan to achieve
   financial stability by 2006, while continuing to excite audiences
   with exceptional artistic vitality."

   Search for Replacement Begins

   Mills said the Board would begin its search for Ms.  Rosenberg's
   replacement immediately.  "The Board is committed to continuing
   the legacy of artistic excellence that is at the core of San
   Francisco Opera's 82-year history by conducting a far-reaching
   search for a new General Director capable of carrying on the
   grand traditions and high standards of this Company and this
   community," Mills said.

   Mills said that Opera Board member George Hume will serve as
   Chair of the Search Committee.  He added that the Association
   has retained the search firm of Spencer Stuart to conduct the
   search.  "The involvement of Donald Runnicles and other members
   of the Company, the community and leaders of the arts world will
   be important to the search process," he said.  "We have a clear
   sense of strategic direction, but the first step will be to talk
   to a lot of people and do a lot of listening."

Janos Gereben/SF [In Idaho, to 6/27]
www.sfcv.org
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