By Frank Cadenhead [Opera Today, 3 July 2012]

The fall-out from the very public display of anger on both sides continues in Cologne (see our earlier report of 24 April). Uwe Erich Laufenberg, 51, director of the city’s opera, one of the leading operas in Germany, was fired with immediate effect on June 22. The Cultural Affairs deputy, Georg Quander, the subject of biting attacks by Laufenberg, made the announcement of the city council’s vote after a month long public dispute over the financing of the upcoming season. Council members of the opposing political party criticized the action.