(AJNews) – The Calgary Opera has replaced a performer who unfurled a Palestinian flag during the opening night curtain call of the political opera “Tosca.”
On October 16, bass singer Gabriel Sanchez-Ortega held up the flag at the end of the opening night performance.
The company announced on social media that Sanchez-Ortega, a new member of their McPhee Artist Development program, will be replaced in the role of Angelotti in subsequent performances.
In posts on Facebook and Instagram, Calgary Opera said the action was “unexpected and unauthorized.”
They elaborated 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 experiences. We recognize that this moment may have affected the audience — as well as cast members, crew, orchestral musicians, and Jubilee staff — in different ways, and we regret any discomfort and distress it caused.”
The company added that they have “addressed this matter directly with the cast member and reinforced our expectations with the cast and production team. Our commitment is to provide a welcoming and respectful environment for our artists, audiences, and community.”
They announced that moving forward, the role of Angelotti will be performed by another artist and they look forward to welcoming audiences to the remaining performances of Tosca.
CIJA and Calgary Jewish Federation commended Calgary Opera for its swift and decisive response to the incident.
On social media they stated that “Calgary Opera has set an important example for public institutions across Canada: policies must be enforced, and unauthorized protests must not be allowed to undermine the shared spaces that bring our communities together.”
They added, “This is about more than the safety of one targeted community. It is about upholding the standards that ensure Canada remains an inclusive and welcoming place where everyone can participate in public life with dignity, safety and respect.”
Sanchez-Ortega took to his own social media in response to Calgary Opera’s actions saying “I have been informed that I have been removed from further performances of ‘Tosca’ with the Calgary Opera following my display of the Palestinian flag during curtain call. I have no regret. This is the state of cultural institutions in Canada.”
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