"Total disregard for Lyric Opera’s dedicated personnel and for her fellow artists"

Nevermind that tall tall dude with the #23 jersey that used to play a few years ago.

This is our favorite Chicago Bull, ever.

Why?

That's why.

>Update: Reader Michael, of Opera Now, scooped the story last night! And also made us lol with "sh*t canned".

Comments

[Beardo]

They are not missing much...although would have loved to have heard about some in-house fights with legend of Scotto, what does Renata say on the subject??

[Donna Anna]

Bravi a tutti!!

[of the kosmos]

Fun fun fun, I love this stuff.

[Michael]

If I only I had more readers! I had the scoop on this...posted the news on Thursday night!

Oh well...back the world of audio...

[Les Mitchell]

As a Chicagoian, and an opera lover, I am really not the least bit surprised at this latest episode involving Angela Gheorghiu. I was taking bets that she would cancel as early as last June. Nor do I feel especially sad about it. I truly believe that she has a self-destructive streak. Nor has she approached anywhere near what we all expected of her a decade ago. For a very short while, I thought she had it all --- and thought that she might come within distance of Callas (fool that I was!). I'm afraid that now she will be viewed as a "flash in the pan" and little more. A real shame - because she showed such incredible promise and potential. Believe me, opera in Chicago will not suffer because Gheorghiu decided not to sing Mimi in "Boheme"!!

[Diva In Training]

The Lyric Opera made the decision to use a pre-emptive strike against a W.M.D.--Willful Missing Diva. Good for them!

[Donna Anna]

You should read Angela's statement. She comes off as one with no regard for her colleagues. "I didn't think it would be a tragedy to miss a few rehearsals." Hmmm....six out of ten doesn't sound like a few to me. Completely unprofessional behavior.

[jpcd]

Another, basically the same spin.... And _what_ a spin AG's PR folks put on it! But I'm never again to be surprised by any reportage concerning this singer....AG's spinmeisters are the ones with the real talent! The truth of the matter is somewhat different from the AP's version, but they did got a lot right. Tooooo bad they can't use the phrase "spoiled diva" ....

http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/09/28/arts/NA-A-E-MUS-US-Opera-Gheorghiu-Fired.php

[jpcd]

I should've added that AG's unprofessional
(and worse) behaviour may be due to her
staff. (a large troupe! not including lawyers!) But of course she has the ultimate responsibility, for employing such!

[dze]

I will always love the beautiful timbre of AG's voice. And that's where my appreciation of her ends. So sad she stooped this low :-(

And it's great to see you OC not gloating here as I know you dislike her.

[Diva In Training]

Hmm, I heard that Lyric Opera made 4 appointments with a doctor for the Willful Missing Diva, but she never went--which is not what she said in her response yesterday. Also, when AG was spotted at the Met on Tuesday night, various photos were taken with cell phone cameras and sent to LOC.

[jpcd]

"Diva In Training"'s comments about AG _must_
be mistaken. AG has said for years, that she _detests_ phone conversation.

hahahahahha

The facts contradict the spin she and her PR/troupe/staff put on her personality: shy and retiring, and avoids phone contact at almost any cost!!! Of course....

[jpcd]

The evidence now is that "AG"'s troupe
is spending a lot of time on damage control,
new spins, and various fantasias....

This (euphemistic) capriciousness appears to
not being taken lightly among those in power, given the history of the troupe in recent years.

I miss something from the the "old" "AG"
literally, and figuratively, as do many.

[jpcd]

According to EMI's' schedule, Ana's going back to the LOC, to do a Boheme, in the middle ofthe SF LA Rondine, her SF premiere, apparently...to prove that she's' as tough as RA. (maybe jpcd does have some influence after all!!!) betcha!

Her semi-reliable schedule is on the 2nd page here:

http://www.emiclassics.com/concertdates.php

Wonder what the Vegas odds say? Could be big bucks for someone!!!!

[jpcd]

However, the LOC receptionist/ticketseller
(not spokesman, I presume) DENIED that AG would be back to the LOC Nov 9 - and said that the EMI is schedule is a misprint!!!

I still think Jose said something to Bill Mason, and that it will happen!

[jpcd]

Please consider coming out to SF for AG's "SF premiere" in La Rondine the week of Nov 12th ..... there could be interesting developments I won't say any more about....