The Calgary Opera has made a change in its lineup following an incident where a performer displayed a Palestinian flag during the closing of the opera “Tosca.” On Friday, bass singer Gabriel Sanchez-Ortega held up the flag at the conclusion of Giacomo Puccini’s opera depicting love and betrayal in Napoleonic Rome amidst political turmoil.
A statement released on Sunday by the Calgary Opera described the flag display as “unexpected and unauthorized,” stating that individual political demonstrations go against company regulations. The organization expressed regret for any discomfort caused and announced that another artist would assume Sanchez-Ortega’s role for upcoming performances.
Sanchez-Ortega portrayed Cesare Angelotti, a character characterized as a political fugitive within the opera. In a social media post, Sanchez-Ortega affirmed his actions without remorse, citing his perspective on Canadian cultural institutions.
The Calgary Opera and Sanchez-Ortega have not yet commented on the incident. The Opera emphasized in its response to the October 16 show that personal political demonstrations contradict its mission to foster a more connected and compassionate society through shared artistic encounters.
Despite the situation, Sanchez-Ortega conveyed no ill feelings, stating, “After the theatre, [political or otherwise] we all have to go home, and look at ourselves in the mirror.” He also expressed gratitude for his portrayal of Angelotti, a character representing a political escapee.
