Want to know what really went down at the Sydney Opera?
mainListen to Simone Young on The Lebrecht Interview, Monday night 9.45 on BBC Radio 3 and streamed all week.
Simone pulls no punches, making it clear that she was fired by a board that went back on its promises. There are hints of anti-feminism in the story, and her recovery to become general music director of the city of Hamburg is one of the great musical comebacks.
I like Simone: she’s a real fighter, and a contender for the next big opera vacancy, possibly Covent Garden. More details here, along with a posed picture.
Why, is Pappano leaving CG imminently?
NL replies: He has made it clear he is leaving after the Britten year, 2013-14.
Who are rumoured to be the favourites to succeed Pappanp? Fabio Luisi would be my choice. Andris Nelsons would be exciting, too!