Georgiou Refuses Encore: Organizer’s ‘Unilateral Notification’ Sparks Controversy
Opera Star Angela Georgiou Sparks Controversy Over Encore Dispute
▲Angela Georgiou
Opera star Angela Georgiou has been at the center of a controversy after storming the stage and stopping the music to protest her opponent’s encore at a show in Korea.
According to Georgiou’s agency, Intermusica, a previous agreement not to perform an impromptu encore had not been respected. The agency stated that Georgiou had discussed and confirmed with the conductor and production team of ‘Tosca’ that no one would perform an encore during the performance.
However, the organizer, Sejong Center for the Performing Arts, denied this claim, stating that such an agreement was never reached. The center also criticized Georgiou for causing the disruption of the show.
The dispute began when Georgiou refused to perform an encore of ‘Living in Song, Living in Love’ during the second act, citing her strong convictions against deviating from the opera’s narrative. However, the tenor, Kim Jae-hyung, went on to perform an encore of ‘The Stars Shine’ during the third act, prompting Georgiou to express her dissatisfaction.
Georgiou approached conductor Ji Jung-bae, stopped the music, and interrupted the flow of the show, saying, “This is not a recital. Respect me.” The incident has sparked a heated debate over the issue of encores in opera performances.
The Sejong Center for the Performing Arts has stressed that the decision to perform an encore belongs to the conductor and is not decided based on the wishes of an individual soprano. The center has also emphasized that Georgiou’s actions were a disturbance to the audience’s right to see the show.
Georgiou’s agency has maintained that the soprano’s actions were justified, citing her strong convictions against deviating from the opera’s narrative. However, the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts has asked Georgiou to apologize to the audience for her actions.
The incident has sparked a wider debate over the issue of artistic expression and the role of the performer in opera productions. As the controversy continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the situation will be resolved.