Calgary Opera removes singer from remaining Tosca performances

Calgary Opera says bass-baritone Gabriel Sanchez-Ortega will not appear in the remaining performances of Tosca after displaying a Palestinian flag during the opening-night curtain call. The company said the closing performance is scheduled for October 24, 2026, and that another artist will perform the role of Angelotti. The company’s account says Sanchez-Ortega displayed the flag after the performance on Friday, October 16. Calgary Opera described the action as unexpected and unauthorized and said it had addressed the matter with the singer and reinforced its expectations with the cast and production team. Calgary Opera said its policy prohibits personal protest on its stages and at its events, including the display of protest symbols. It said the rule applies regardless of the political symbol or action, and that similar conduct would lead to similar consequences. The company said Sanchez-Ortega did not appear in the performance immediately before its October 20 statement and would not appear in the closing performance. Sanchez-Ortega said he had no regret about displaying the flag. He also alleged that financial threats had been made against Calgary Opera over the incident....