However, it goes on to say “the committee finds itself in fundamental
disagreement with the president – not, I understand, for the first time over
the last few years – over how the society should be run”.
It adds: “We believe it is time for the president to stand down, and we have
suggested that she do so. She has not responded.”
Dame Gwyneth, who appeared in Dustin Hoffman’s film Quartet last
year, warns that the move will isolate the society from Bayreuth and all the
other organisations established in honour of the German composer, a
favourite of Adolf Hitler, around the world.
She sent an email to friends last week in which she asked them to contact any
members they might know and encourage them to attend the Special General
Meeting.
In the email, Dame Gwyneth says she has not been officially informed of this
meeting, or invited to attend. She is challenging both the calling of the
vote and the manner of scrutiny.
She also tells friends that she is consulting lawyers over a possible
defamation action against the chairman and treasurer of the society.