Operas are not for encores. Many opera houses discourage it because it breaks the flow of the action, and having given everything to the aria, the singer may perform it badly a second time. Save it for concerts. Anna Netrebko, Angela Gheorghiu and many top stars do not break character when the audience call 'bis'. This incident was not Angela Gheorghiu's fault for not appearing; she did not get the call backstage. I like Kaufmann but this aria was not one to repeat. He actually sang it to perfection in ROH 2011 but no one called 'bis'. Shame on the conductor for allowing an encore because Kaufmann is favoured in Vienna.
No, it's a live performance. Mister Kaufmann was singing an encore and the sopran expected another round of applause and was therefore not ready. That's the official version at least, there are rumours that she was displeased with the fact that Kaufmann gave a bis (encore).
A splendid example of a soprano who has grown too big for her boots. She has no realisation or appreciation of the privilege she has been granted in having the love of an audience and doesn't care a fig about spoiling the performance. It's purely all about her. I bet if the audience applauded so long for her, she would be only too happy to perform a repetition. How many beautiful, professional singers would give the world to be able to sing with Jonas Kaufmann? Isn't he brilliant? So intelligent and witty. ❤
