The world-renowned soprano Angela Gheorghiu, who visited Korea to perform in Seoul City Opera’s ‘Tosca,’ caused a disruption during the performance by expressing dissatisfaction with a co-actor and conductor after an audience encore. The incident occurred during a performance of ‘Tosca’ at the Seoul Sejong Cultural Center Grand Theater on the 8th. After tenor Kim Jae-hyung finished singing one of the most famous pieces from ‘Tosca,’ the audience applauded and cheered continuously, prompting him to start an encore. While encores during opera performances are not uncommon, they are not usually interrupted by the leading lady, Gheorghiu, who appeared on stage and gestured her displeasure.
When the next piece began after the encore, Gheorghiu demanded the conductor, Ji Chung-bae, to stop the music, escalating her gestures until the orchestra ceased playing. She voiced her dissatisfaction loudly, stating, “This is not a recital but an opera. You must respect me,” addressing Ji Chung-bae and Kim Jae-hyung.
Despite the show resuming later, audience members reportedly could not fully enjoy the performance due to the disruption caused by Gheorghiu’s actions. Her unusual behavior continued even during the curtain call after the entire performance.
Following the performance, social media was filled with criticism of Gheorghiu’s behavior, with some commenting on her arrogance and disrupting the show. One opera official expressed disappointment, saying that it was regretful for such an incident to occur in the opera world.
The Sejong Cultural Center issued an apology and announced plans to address Gheorghiu’s complaint while also apologizing to the Korean audience for any inconvenience caused. Gheorghiu, known as one of the most glamorous and talented opera superstars globally, made her debut in lavish fashion in 1992 and has performed in various renowned opera houses.
In 2001, she starred in the opera film ‘Tosca,’ solidifying her position as the epitome of the character, Tosca. Celebrating her 30th anniversary in 2022, she received critical acclaim for her portrayal of Tosca at the Royal Opera House, UK.