The Calgary Opera has announced that it will be replacing Gabriel Sanchez-Ortega as Angelotti after the bass-baritone displayd the Palestinian flag at the curtain call of the Oct. 16 opening night.

The company said, “During the October 16 opening-night performance of ‘Tosca,’ a cast member displayed a flag during the curtain call. This action was unexpected and unauthorized. Individual political protest contravenes not only company policy, but also our responsibility to create a more connected, caring, and civil society through shared artistic experiences. We recognize that this moment may have affected the audience — as well as cast members, crew, orchestral musicians, and Jubilee staff — in different ways, and we regret any discomfort and distress it caused.”  ⠀

The statement added, “We have addressed this matter directly with the cast member and reinforced our expectations with the cast and production team. Our commitment is to provide a welcoming and respectful environment for our artists, audiences, and community. The role of Angelotti will be performed by another artist for the remaining performances. We thank everyone who joined us for opening night and look forward to welcoming audiences to the remaining performances of Tosca.”

In response to Calgary Opera’s statement, Sanchez-Ortega took to social media and said, “I have been informed that I have been removed from further performances of ‘Tosca’ with the Calgary Opera following my display of the Palestinian flag during curtain call. I have no regret. This is the state of cultural institutions in Canada. I was informed that financial threats had been made against Calgary Opera. I hold no resentment. After the theatre, (political or otherwise) we all have to go home, and look at ourselves in the mirror. It was my honor to play the role of Angelotti, an escaped political prisoner.”

In 2025, the Royal Opera also saw a performer raise a Palestinian flag causing unrest in the company when the Royal Ballet and  Opera said the protest was “completely inappropriate for a curtain call” and “the display of the flag was spontaneous and unauthorised action by the artist.”

Calgary Opera’s “Tosca” is set to run through Oct. 24 and is currently starring Maria Natale, David Esteban, and Boaz Daniel.

 

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