Reino Unido se suma al cierre de teatros y auditorios; Covent Garden cancela toda su programación

Era el único país europeo que todavía no lo había hecho. Pero esta tarde, el primer ministro británico ha instado (que no obligado) al cierre de teatros, auditorios y salas de espectáculos en toda Gran Bretaña, como medida para contener el coronavirus, cuyas cifras de infectados han crecido alarmantemente en el país en las últimas horas.

La Royal Opera House Covent Garden ha sido una de las primeras en reaccionar, emitiendo un comunicado por que cancela temporalmente todas sus actividades, entre ellas las representaciones de la ópera de Beethoven Fidelio, que estos días se estaba representando con un casting estelar encabezado por Jonas Kaufmann y bajo la dirección de Antonio Pappano.

Este es el comunicado:

Monday 16 March 2020

Immediate closure of the Royal Opera House

The safety and security of the Royal Opera House staff, audiences and artists is of paramount importance and we take this responsibility very seriously. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have taken the decision with a heavy heart to close the building to the public and cancel all performances in Covent Garden with immediate effect.  

The staff and artists of the ROH are vital to the lifeblood of our art forms, without them we would simply not exist. This suspension of performances will impact not only our loyal audience but also our committed and talented workforce. We will work within the government guidelines to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our staff and artists during this difficult time. 

Our employees, permanent and casual, are reliant on the income which we derive through ticket purchases. Without performances it is inevitable that we will become more reliant on philanthropic support and charitable donations. 

Where possible, we ask that audiences consider donating the value of their tickets to the Royal Opera House Covent Garden Foundation rather than requesting a credit note or refund. 

You can keep up to date via the ROH social media channels for announcements on the programme of free broadcasts we will bring you during this period of closure.  

We thank you for your continued support of the ROH, it is invaluable during these uncertain times.   

Our number one priority is to support each other during this unprecedented situation. 

Alex Beard, Chief Executive 

Royal Opera House