Calgary Opera removes singer after Palestinian flag display

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 20 Oct, 10:44 · Archive

Calgary Opera removed bass-baritone Gabriel Sanchez-Ortega from remaining performances of Tosca after he displayed a Palestinian flag during the opening-night curtain call.

Calgary Opera removed bass-baritone Gabriel Sanchez-Ortega from its production of Tosca after he displayed a Palestinian flag during the opening-night curtain call on Friday. The company said his actions were 'unexpected and unauthorised' and violated company policy.

In a statement, the opera company said that 'individual political protest contravenes not only company policy, but also our responsibility to create a more connected, caring, and civil society through shared artistic experience'. The company acknowledged that the moment may have affected audiences, cast members, crew and staff in different ways. Another artist will perform the role of Angelotti in the remaining performances.

Sanchez-Ortega posted a video of himself holding the flag on Instagram and released a statement saying he has 'no regret' over his actions. Fox News reported that he claimed Calgary Opera faced 'financial threats' over the move, though the opera company's own statement made no mention of threats.

How it is being reported

• Canadian opera singer replaced after he raised Palestinian flagCalgary’s opera house has removed a singer from future performances after he raised a Palestinian flag on stage.Al Jazeera · 20 Oct, 10:24
• Calgary Opera removes singer waving Palestinian flag during opening night curtain callThe Calgary Opera, a Canadian-based company, announced that it would be dropping Gabriel Sanchez-Ortega after he flew a Palestinian flag during his curtain call.Fox News · 20 Oct, 00:30

In this story: Gabriel Sanchez-Ortega · Calgary Opera · Calgary

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