What could possibly be less dignified, less edifying and less professional than the increasing reluctance of certain opera stars to bother turning up for work?
Well, how about a pair of ageing arts administrators slugging it out schoolgirl-style in the pages of the continental press?
As reported by the ever vigilant and ever wonderful Opera Chic, it's handbags at dawn for La Scala General Manager Stéphane Lissner (55) and Wien Staatsoper's Director Ioan Holender (73).
"You don't rehearse enough!" squeals Lissner.
"You can't read music!" pouts Holender.
With examples like that, is it any wonder that singers imagine it's perfectly OK to cancel contracts on whim, cut rehearsals, or stomp off stage mid-performance?
Tony Hall, please carry on buttoning your lip.
