Jonas Kaufmann: Managing other people’s cancellations

Jonas Kaufmann: Managing other people’s cancellations

Opera

norman lebrecht

January 07, 2025

The numbers are in at the Erl winter festival in Tyrol and the backers are happy.

When the curtain dropped last night, 94 percent of tickets had been sold, more than ever before. What counted even more was that artistic director Kaufmann was able to summon world-famous jump-ins when his original cast started coughing. When Kaufmann called, Jessica Pratt, Lisette Oropesa and Levy Sekgapane got on a plane to a palce they may never have heard of before.

This is Kaufmann’s new career: managing other people’s cancellations.

Also credited at curtain fall for the festival’s success was the Israeli chief conductor Asher Fisch (pic).

 

 

 

 

Comments

  • John Borstlap says:

    But there’s nothing against doing something that you’re an expert in.

  • Petra Bgm says:

    Being the perfectionist that he is, it was obvious from the very beginning that his directorship in Erl would become the ultimate success. Sincere congratulations! But let’s hope that he does not cut short his opera performances too much because of it. His voice is NOW at the utmost peak of maturity and perfection and we NOW need him on the world’s opera stages – as long as he is in top shape.

  • Philipp Lord Chandos says:

    New year, new vacancies…

    Chief Cancellation Manager:in (m/w/d)

    Chief Cancellation Officer:in (m/w/d)

    Assistant Cancellation Manager:in (m/w/d)

  • Chiemgauer says:

    Good grief, there is no reason to worry about this. It is only a matter of time until Mrs. Kaufmann takes over the place anyway. Her expertise and voice commands towards staff and visitors have already been heard loudly all over the place. It’s all one, same employer anyway. Not sure if she has the super power to manage cancellations though.

    • Paul says:

      Chiemgauer, sorry I doubt that Ms Kaufmann was in Erl. She once publicly stated how deeply she despises rural venues.
      Regards,
      Paul from the provincial area of Cottbus

      • Waltraud Becker says:

        Lots of fotos and videos with Mrs.Kaufmann in Erl….. Open Your eyes!

      • EbbaAnders says:

        Of course she was in Erl, there are lots of photos and video clips of her and her husband. You should do some research.

        • Paul says:

          Ok, unbelievable as it is, it seems she attended. So she has either learnt – or has eventually been forced – to pay respect to smaller places. Good for her. Let’s hope that this time she refrains from expressing her contempt years later.
          Regards,
          Paul & opera lovers from the rural Cottbus area

      • Chiemgauerin says:

        Believe us she was, and overly assertive. That aside the first season was fantastic and we will be back in summer.

  • Rankin says:

    Pretty sure this star-studded lineup for Erl Tirol had less to do with Kaufmann and more to do with the legendary casting wizard Ilias Tzempetonidis—who probably has every major singer on speed dial and a few on WhatsApp!

    • Waltraud Becker says:

      The three together do the job and Ilias´ phone book is the best in the world. Every good boss needs equally good employees

    • EbbaAnders says:

      Firstly, Kaufmann hired Tzempetonidis and secondly, they would certainly not have come to Erl without Kaufmann.

  • zandonai says:

    Kaufmann should follow Domingo’s footsteps to manage a major opera company. He will do great.

  • David D says:

    Kaufmann — cancellations: das klingt!

  • SAM says:

    Why so bitchy?

  • SAM says:

    Why so bitchy? Is this necessary?

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