The Metropolitan Opera have just announced that Fabio Luisi is to replace the ailing James Levine conducting Das Rheingold on 30 March and 2 April.
Just one small problem. Luisi is booked to conduct Aida at Covent Garden on those two nights.
Now Luisi is not known for his Wagner. And until he dumped the ROH, he wasn't free either. In other words, there were more obvious candidates available. So Luisi's last minute step into the breach should be viewed as an auspicious one by Met-watchers. What it means for his future at Covent Garden is probably the last thing on his mind, given his form.
As for Aida, the Royal Opera House website hasn't been updated, but it's likely 'B' conductor Daniele Rustioni will step into the breach. (UPDATE - Rustioni is now confirmed.)

