Following in Fabio's footsteps, Kirill Petrenko has pulled out of Fidelio, which opens next week. No, he hasn't had a better offer - he's suffering from back problems. Didn't he cancel some Rosenkavalier dates last time he was here? I can't remember.
Can't complain about his replacement, Mark Elder; David Syrus covers the final two dates.
*UPDATE* - the Press Release has more details.
Isn't it strange that Sir Mark Elder usually conducts two staged operas each season at The Royal Opera, now with the addition of Fidelio, three - yet hasn't conducted at ENO in over ten years? His last appearance there was (I think) Der Freischutz in 2000 and given that he used to be the music director one would have hoped that he would have been a regular guest...
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Intermezzo replies - good point. Must be a 'story' there somewhere - I wouldn't presume to guess what exactly.
Posted by: Keithyboy | 24 March 2011 at 10:52 PM
The dress rehearsal on Saturday morning is now strictly closed.
Posted by: su traditor | 25 March 2011 at 08:00 AM
Who is David Syrus? Never heard of him, guess it's for a reason. Have tickets for Fidelio and Aida for my first time at the ROH. Will surely miss Petrenko, he is fantastic, but Rustioni in Aida might be a revelation. Might, I said...
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Intermezzo replies - David Syrus has been head of music at the ROH for many years and conducts a few shows each season.
Posted by: Frank | 25 March 2011 at 08:06 PM
Mark Elder and ENO: could it be the money? And doubtless, Elder would very much like to succeed Pappano if and when he leaves.I can't imagine he is too keen on working with directors who have never seen, let alone directed, an opera before.
Posted by: Nikolaus Vogel | 03 April 2011 at 11:17 PM