Intermezzo

Marina pops in again

Whatever she had she hasn't got any more. Or to put it another way: "We are happy to announce that Marina Poplavskaya will perform in Verdi’s Les Vêpres siciliennes tonight."

Poplavskaya out; Haroutounian in

To nobody's great surprise, Marina Poplavskaya has pulled out of the Royal Opera's Les Vêpres siciliennes, citing illness.  The ROH have announced her withdrawal from the first three performances only (17, 21 and 24 October) at this stage, but it is of course possible that more dates may follow.

Her replacement is the scheduled cover Lianna Haroutounian, who stood in for the ROH's other serial canceller, Anja Harteros, earlier this year in Don Carlo.  

Ms Harountounian's previous stabs at Vespri, previously available to all on YouTube, have mysteriously 'gone private' in recent days.

Marina Poplavskaya replaces herself

Is this the most bizarre cast change announcement ever? A week after pulling out of the ROH's Robert le diable due to illness, Marina Poplavskaya is now back in again.

According to the ROH:

"Marina felt that she had to withdraw from Robert le diable due to a medical condition and on the advice of her doctor. She wanted to make the decision swiftly in order to accommodate the difficult task of finding a replacement as early as possible.

However, after further consultations and examinations, she has been advised that it will be possible for her to continue with the rehearsals and performances of Robert le diable after all without any risk, and that any necessary treatment can carry on meanwhile or be postponed."

Royal Opera House Traviata marathon begins

La traviata - Royal Opera House, 3 October 2011

Don't worry if you missed this performance - there are another 21 to go. Yes, it's safe to say that if you're fond of La traviata, Covent Garden is the place to be this autumn. With three casts, three conductors, two separate revival directors and a couple of bonus appearances from Anna Netrebko, you'll be spoilt for choice.

Marina Poplavskaya, unpainted

Above, gorgeous Marina Poplavskaya in full warpaint.

Below, with tenor Lee Yong-hoon at a press conference in Tokyo earlier today.

The Tsar's Bride at the Royal Opera House

The Tsar's Bride - Royal Opera House, 20 April 2011

When Covent Garden tackled Prokofiev's The Gambler last year, ticket prices were pegged at a maximum of £50. It sold out - bringing in many first time visitors in the process. Despite the opera's obscurity, its unstarry cast and equivocal reviews. Did the Royal Opera House learn anything from that? Obviously not.