UPDATE: The Met’s press office states, “At the beginning of Act III (‘The Ride of the Valkyries’ scene) of last evening’s performance of Die Walküre, one of the planks that comprise the set descended to the stage floor rather than stopping opposite the stage apron. As a result, the artist singing Siegrune, mezzo-soprano Eve Gigliotti, slid down the plank as planned but landed on the mainstage floor behind the apron. The mainstage is approximately 3 feet lower than the apron. The error was due to a misheard cue. Ms. Gigliotti, who was not injured, left the stage briefly but returned to finish the scene and plans to sing at Monday night’s performance.”

EARLIER: La Cieca hears that the “fallen” Walküre from last night is mezzo-soprano Eve Gigliotti, who sings the role of Siegrune.

An eyewitness to the performance reports: “She was sliding down the plank and either tripped or fell when she hit bottom. One of the other Valkyries helped her up. She went offstage for a few minutes and then returned the audience applauded when she came back onstage. Scary few minutes. As for the rest of it, somewhat better than the opening night stream vocally but a lot of miscasting and appalling direction. The Machine is distracting. Money wasted.” (Walküre Photo: Ken Howard.)

La Cieca

James Jorden (who wrote under the names "La Cieca" and "Our Own JJ") was the founder and editor of parterre box. During his 20 year career as an opera critic he wrote for the New York Times, Opera, Gay City News, Opera Now, Musical America and the New York Post. He also raised his voice in punditry on National Public Radio. From time to time he directed opera, including three unsuccessful productions of Don Giovanni. He also contributed a regular column on opera for the New York Observer. James died in October 2023.

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