Fleischmann a Candidate for S.F. Post

Ernest Fleischmann, the often controversial executive director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, said Friday that he is being considered to head the San Francisco Opera.

In a telephone interview, Fleischmann said he has held discussions with the board of the Bay Area organization, but he insisted that “no one has offered me anything yet.”

Fleischmann, the San Francisco Chronicle reported, is leading a prestigious field of candidates for the post being vacated by ailing Terence McEwen, the third general director of the San Francisco Opera in its 66-year history.

McEwen, 58, resigned last month, citing his “chronic diabetes.” He plans to continue his popular commentaries on the opera company’s radio broadcasts, however.

Among other possible candidates for the post, according to sources close to the negotiations, are: Lotfi Mansouri, head of Canadian Opera; Richard Gaddes of the Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, and David Gockley of Houston Grand Opera.

According to the Chronicle, Fleischmann flew to San Francisco last week, spoke to the search committee “and has since dominated its considerations.”

At least once before Fleischmann was persuaded to leave the Philharmonic, but he wound up leaving his suitor at the altar.

In November, 1985, Fleischmann resigned from the Philharmonic to take the post of general administrator and artistic director of the Paris Opera. One week after his announcement, however, he decided to remain in Los Angeles, when, he said at the time, he realized “that it was impossible for me to leave this great orchestra and this remarkable community.”

On Friday Fleischmann remained noncommittal when asked about the possible San Francisco appointment. He did, however, again emphasize his ties to Los Angeles.

“I can’t even think about it until someone makes an offer,” he said from his office at the Music Center. “And I know the board there has been talking to a number of other people already.

“Besides, I really do love it here.”