Just in: Critic quits after newspaper bows to pressure and pulls his opera review

Arthur Kapitainis is probably the most respected music critic in Canada.

Just not by the Canadian Opera Company.

When COC read his review for Mametto II online in the National Post they sent over a complaint to demand its removal (recte: two corrections). Unbelievably, the weak-kneed newspaper obliged. (see Comments below for COC account of events).

Arthur promptly resigned from the paper. Our friends at MusicalToronto have now published his review.

Read it here.

It’s not a particularly tough review. What glue are they sniffing at COC?

This is a major press freedom issue. Cancel the National Post until it apologises and beware of an opera company that is able to reduce national media to submission.

UPDATE: The COC’s side of the story.

CORRECTION: An initial version of the story said the COC sent a delegation to the Post. It was based on a trusted source and it was unfounded. We corrected the error as soon as we were informed, and regret its occurrence.