Metropolitan Opera New York
Very surprisingly the Spanish singer Placido Domingo withdrew on Tuesday from the Metropolitan Opera’s production of Verdi’s Macbeth and indicated he would not return to the Met. Domingo who took part in the rehearsals had been scheduled to sing the title role in the season premiere of Verdi’s Macbeth on Wednesday night.
The Met issued a statement which says: « The Metropolitan Opera confirms that Placido Domingo has agreed to withdraw from all future performances at the Met, effective immediately. »
Domingo issued the following statement: « I made my debut at the Metropolitan Opera at the age of 27 and have sung at this magnificent theater for 51 consecutive, glorious years. While I strongly dispute recent allegations made about me, and I am concerned about a climate in which people are condemned without due process, upon reflection, I believe that my appearance in this production of Macbeth would distract from the hard work of my colleagues both on stage and behind the scenes.
As a result, I have asked to withdraw and I thank the leadership of the Met for graciously granting my request. I am happy that, at the age of 78, I was able to sing the wonderful title role in the dress rehearsal of Macbeth, which I consider my last performance on the Met stage. »
General Manager Peter Gelb had previously refused to cancel Domingo’s engagement and said that he was awaiting results of investigations by the LA Opera and the American Guild of Musical Artists.
