Polish uproar as famed baritone is forced out
OperaThe international baritone Mariusz Kwiecień has resigned abruptly as Artistic Director of the Wrocław Opera after what is said to be media campaign against the manner of his recruitment and his conduct in office.
Kwiecień, 50, was one of the most sought after Don Giovannis when he retired from the stage in September 2020, citing back problems. He was almost immediately appointed to the vacancy at Wroclaw.
An official investigation has been ordered into a private birthday party at the opera house and other rumoured violations.
More like Boris Johnson than Boris Godunov.
Everyone saw it coming. Basically, it was about the theater’s poor financial management, including the exorbitant salary for the artistic director, Mariusz Kwiecień. And because of this, the theater’s director, Ms. Ołdakowska, was fired from her post, and conductor Bassem Akiki and Kwiecien resigned. This embarrassing “event” was probably Ołdakowska’s attempt to save her post. On the other hand, thanks to Kwiecien and his contacts, Wroclaw has hosted lately several world-class singers. With the new management, it will only host Z-class singers of pre-retirement age. So, it’s over for Wroclaw Opera.
“So, it’s over for Wroclaw Opera.”
Sorry to hear this. Since I live in California, it’s not exactly high on my priority list, but in 2019, I saw La Traviata there in a splendid production by the actress Grazyna Szapolowska and I was open to considering other visits on future European trips.
They’ll miss you
Private party at the opera house. In character for Don Giovanni.
Proofreading is your friend
He wasn’t forced out. He resigned, just as had Basem Akiki, Artistic Director, a few months previously. They saw Ms Ołdakowska’s downfall coming. The trouble with Kwiecień was Ołdakowska gave him a monthly fee that was over six times more than what he should have been earning in this position in a public-funded theatre under Polish law. His entire contract amounted to over 3m. At the same time, Wroclaw Opera’s salaried singers and musicians didn’t earn enough to make ends meet. Whereas admin staff, notably those who started their jobs hired by Ołdakowska, got as much as they wanted. Shame!
It was typical feudal-kind tratment of the musicians, engaged singers, choir and dancers. Kwiecień had sallary higher 60 times per month than normaln musicians. World of classical music goes this way in many place, not only in Wrocław. Directors and conductor are overpaid everywhere.
I hope he will never find a job in opera world, the most greedy man I have ever met
He was used to the salary of a top-level and in-demand singer, not an administrator. Under normal circumstances, it would have been a comedown. Not an excuse, just a reality.
Just because he was used to it doesn’t mean he should get that kind of money
That’s not what I said.
Great singer though.
Did you actually meet him? Under what circunstances? How do you get to the conclusion he is greedy?
For Goodness Sake!! He couldn’t organize a yard sale.