Board Of Troubled New York City Opera Meets To Discuss Future

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- A New York City Opera spokeswoman says board members have extended their discussions about the company's future into Thursday evening.

The spokeswoman said no announcements are expected before Friday.

The opera, which built daring new productions and the careers of Placido Domingo and Beverly Sills, is fighting for its life.

The board chairman has contributed $2.5 million toward plugging a deficit twice that much.

A union leader said singers and production staff are threatening to "strike and drive City Opera out of existence" if working hours and benefits are cut.

The opera spokeswoman said the company is "focused on moving forward with a balanced budget" to ensure it continues to thrive.

(TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)