The full-figured, frizzy-haired guardian of the status quo once more mounted the chariot to lay down the law earlier this afternoon. No, it wasn’t Stephanie Blythe as Fricka, but rather that other divinity, James Levine, who—La Cieca hears—postponed his well-deserved five-month rest and relaxation regime long enough to call the Met’s musical staff on the carpet. 

Conducting the meeting from the vantage point of his mobility scooter, the now and (apparently) future music director informed his minions that John Fisher, formerly the company’s Director of Music Administration and more recently chief honcho of Welsh National Opera, will return to the Met as Principal Coach. (Photo: Ken Howard/Metropolitan Opera)