Conductor steps in to save opera
An opera conductor stepped in to save a tenor who lost his voice by taking over his singing part whilst continuing to lead the orchestra.
Antony Walker took over Vladimir Kusmenko’s role during a performance of Aida in Pittsburgh in the US as the ailing singer lip-synched on stage.
Walker said it was “an amazing experience” but hopes to “never have to do that again”.
He explained, as a trained vocalist, he often sings during rehearsals.
“I do that with every opera I prepare,” he said. “I find you can empathize with the singers better.”
Kusmenko told artistic director Christopher Hahn that he was ill the afternoon before the performance so a substitute tenor, Eduardo Villa, was called in to replace him.
He was scheduled to arrive halfway through the performance, but his flight was delayed.
