Slipped disc prompts top baritone, 47, to end career

The outstanding Polish baritone Mariusz Kwiecień has called an end to his career after months of cancellations.

Kwiecień, 47, tells Polish media: ‘I underwent my first spine surgery in New York. I was taken straight from the Met stage during a performance of “Don Giovanni” with a slipped disc. A year later, on the stage at Covent Garden during “Don Carlos” I had a recurrence. An implant had to be inserted. Now there are other problems. My stage activity would be very limited, and I never liked to allow myself to be very limited.’

Kwiecień has accepted a post as artistic director of  Wrocław Opera for 2020/21, a fairly small company. ‘I have a lot to say about opera,’ he says. ‘I have sufficient background and experience from the greatest opera houses in the world. I have a huge number of wonderful friends, singers, directors and conductors, whom I will be delighted to invite to Wrocław.’