Late for rehearsal? Blame the babysitter

Late for rehearsal? Blame the babysitter

Opera

norman lebrecht

October 25, 2023

Message from conductor Adam Fischer in Vienna:

Dear music lovers, I would like to share with you a brief insight into my rehearsal yesterday for Marriage of Figaro at the Vienna State Opera. We had a wonderful spontaneous visitor because a babysitter fell ill. I want to tell you about it because for me – thank God – this very situation shows the transformation of the Vienna State Opera! When I started, no women were allowed to play in the orchestra. That is unimaginable today. Today it is even normal that the singer of the title role, a bass, must and may take care of his child!
Many thanks to Peter Kellner and Patrizia Nolz for allowing me to share this insight!

Comments

  • Martin says:

    Wonderful!

  • Nick Logie says:

    Bravo Adam – thank you for this.

  • Thornhill says:

    I’m curious how many orchestras and opera companies help provide childcare to musicians and staff. It’s got to be tough when you work both days and nights.

  • George says:

    Lovely!!!

  • Kay Warbrick says:

    ♥️

  • Sue Sonata Form says:

    Motherhood and apple pie statement.

  • fierywoman says:

    This made my day. Thanks for sharing!

  • IP says:

    If daddy were a PhD student at some German university, there would be no baby at all.

  • TEF says:

    If they want a full opera house, stage at least one of the productions just exactly like that, clothes, baby and all. The queue will extend around the block, mostly the ladies of Vienna.

  • George says:

    Although it’s still interesting to see the amout of praise father’s get when they are taking care of the children.
    Never heard people say about a woman, “Wow! She’s works AND takes care of her child.” It’s just considered normal.

  • Daniel Reiss says:

    If the baby is Susanna’s, the Count is too late.

  • Zandonai says:

    Many would argue the Vienna Philharmonic sounded better in the days of male-only players. Just saying.

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