The Royal Opera House have announced Johan Kobborg has withdrawn from choreographing the massive ballet scene in October's new production of Les Vêpres siciliennes "as a result of artistically differing approaches to the project between Johan Kobborg and director Stefan Herheim". Not only that, but the Royal Ballet have pulled out from the opera project too.
After last week's shock announcement that Kobborg (together with partner Alina Cojocaru) is to leave the Royal Ballet at the end of this season, it's unsurprising that he's no longer involved in the Herheim production.
But "artistically differing approaches"?
The suddenness of Kobborg's departure - and the lack of explanation - led many to wonder whether there was more behind it than an injury-plagued season and the inevitable pressures of age (at 40, Kobborg was virtually geriatric in ballet terms). Speculation must now centre on how much the Herheim clash contributed to his decision.
Herheim is no stranger to artistic confrontation - most publicly with Daniel Barenboim.
Tickets for Vêpres went on sale last week to the ROH's highest-level patrons, some of whom pay thousands for the privilege of advance booking. The ballet fans amongst them will be furious the ROH didn't announce the change immediately.
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