David Gockley has accepted Elina Garanca‘s withdrawal for “personal reasons” from San Francisco after discovering a “series of European concerts has been recently announced on Ms. Garanca’s website during the Werther performance schedule.”  [La Cieca earlier reported this story as Gockley’s giving “the boot” to Garanca, which was not accurate.]

One can practically see Gockley’s eyes flashing through the press release:

“It pains me greatly to announce that Ms. Garanca has chosen not to appear in next season’s Werther as promised. She is a glamorous young star who has created a stir in Europe and at the Metropolitan Opera, and I was looking forward to presenting her West Coast debut. However, after extensive discussions with her management and having filed a grievance through the American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA), I am satisfied that the financial settlement we have reached disposes of the matter.”

Alice Coote, who replaces Garanca, will likely want to buy a few copies of the papers where the following paragraph appears:

“I am very pleased to welcome back to the War Memorial Opera House stage Alice Coote, a highly accomplished and extraordinary artist who has had two very big successes with us beginning with Alcina in 2002 and with Idomeneo in 2008…. Her magnificent artistry has been acclaimed around the world for her repertory ranging from Charlotte, Sesto and Octavian, to her recent triumph as Hansel at the Met. We are very honored to feature her in our new production.”