Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s orchestra will be made up of musicians from the Philharmonia and English Chamber orchestras, both pet projects of Prince Charles.
The conductr will be Christopher Warren-Green, sometime leader of the Philharmonia Orchestra, latterly music director in Charlotte, North Carolina.
The soprano is Elin Manahan Thomas.
A message from the French soprano Julie Fuchs, sacked by Hamburg Staatsoper for being four months’ pregnant.
Dear everyone,
Thank you for your huge support during the last few days a little difficult! My intention was not to create animosity or a “media storm”, but simply to be honest with my friends, fans and followers on why I will not sing pamina at the Hamburg opera this month. However, this post made me realize that I was far from being a single case, and I am saddened to hear that many of my colleagues have lived and live in similar experiences, without having the opportunity to express themselves freely.
I do not want to debate every detail but I would like to clarify some of the points already mentioned in my press release: I have informed the theatre of my pregnancy one month before the beginning of the rehearsals so as to allow everyone time to solve all the necessary points . I was assured until the last moment that the few minutes of the stage of a possible change could be adapted to allow my participation. Then, on Thursday, 19 April, I learn that the theatre is sacking me, and this one finally decided that the changes induced by my involvement harmed the artistic integrity of the show. To be clear, my rehearsals had to start 4 days later, Monday, April 23th, yesterday. You would easily understand that I did not feel respected as an artist and be human. It also made me realize how easy it was for a theatre to return an artist without even offering compensation.
Although I understand, of course, that theatres are subject to the law, I firmly believe that a woman is able to decide in agreement with her doctors about what is dangerous for her or her baby. Especially since we all know that scenes are commonly modified for an injured artist, sick or even on personal preferences.
My team is working on this case and I hope you will understand that I am not in a position to comment more accurately at this time.
I sincerely hope that progress will be made in all areas to ensure that all those who work in the arts, both men and women, are respected in their work.
I kiss you and tell you soon for new adventures, I hope, more musical!
