On February 28, 2022, Central City Opera (CCO) hired Pamela Pantos as its new President and CEO. Nearly 17 months later, on July 17, 2023, the CCO finds itself immediately hiring for the
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On February 28, 2022, Central City Opera (CCO) hired Pamela Pantos as its new President and CEO. Nearly 17 months later, on July 17, 2023, the CCO finds itself immediately hiring for the position.
Pantos’ experience included strategic planning and a history as a mezzosoprano performer. Among her duties as former CCO President and CEO were “managing director, chief administrator, and community ambassador in consideration of CCO’s dual role as both opera producer and owner of 27 historic properties.”
According to one source, Pantos left the organization “after a months-long contentious labor dispute between the workers and management.” But if you were to ask the artists, management, and the American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA), it’s not as simple as that.
Rumors of the CCO butting heads with the AGMA over negotiations of a new collective bargaining agreement and allegations from members including “body shaming, sexual harassment, withheld pay and ‘overt threats of retaliation for union activity,’” have all come to light.
On May 18, the AGMA and CCO reached a collective bargaining agreement, which will expire sometime in September 2027. The rest is undergoing investigation, and the AGMA stands ready to help CCO improve its culture and build better partnerships with its staff, visitors, and the community.
Senior staff member Scott Finlay has agreed to serve as Interim Chief External Affairs Officer, while Margaret Williams has agreed to serve as Interim Chief Administrative Officer during the leadership transition to “ensure operational continuity.”
Finlay and Williams share the following statement:
“We thank the Board and Staff of Central City Opera for the honor and privilege of leading the company through the completion of the 2023 Festival and during our national search for a new President and CEO. Our immediate focus as a team remains deeply embedded in upholding the rich legacy of artistic excellence. We are honored to support the exceptional work of the artists, musicians, staff, and crew whose dedication and professionalism have truly shone during this outstanding season.”
The Central City Opera is located at 124 Eureka Street, Central City. You can find them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/CentralCityOpera or you can give them a call at 303-292-6700.
