Just in: Anna Netrebko withdraws from the Met

The soprano appears to have pulled out of Tosca, having messaged only yesterday that she intended to sing.

Here’s her latest instagram:

In this very difficult and unclear period for all of us on this planet my thoughts and support go to all people, who suffered all effects of this Virus, for people, who infected, for many of those who lost jobs and those who forced to stay in carantine. We don’t know what happens tomorrow, but let’s be strong and use this time to make Right choices.

In a further reply to a fan who said he was flying in from Australia she said: ‘If I will be you- I will cancel trip… sorry.’

From her perspective it’s the right decision. There is no knowing if the Met will still be open in two weeks’ time and the risk of catching an infection in transit is too great if the end-result is not guaranteed.

For the Met, the consequences are incalculable. Others will doubtless arrive at the same conclusion.

UPDATE: The Netrebko-Eyvazov couple have posted this corrigendum beneath our headline on their Instagram feed:

Stop spreading wrong information!!!!

Excuse me? We have only posted what you yourselves made public.

A further reminder?

The Met, meanwhile, are ringing around for replacements.