After attending the wonderful performance of Carmen, Faye and I were on SOSSLED duty at the Stage Door. There was a fair handful of people there. Not a large group and not a crowd, but more than allowed us for monopolise the attention of our stars. We don't like to detain them long if they are a bit shy, or seem to be in a hurry, or whatever, but they all graciously posed for photos, which is always appreciated. We took time to complement them on and thank them for their peformance. Photos in the order in which they emerged.
Norah Ansellem
Ildebrando DÂ’Arcangelo
Anna Caterina Antonacci
Tony Pappano
Last out was Jonas, who did linger. I got the impression he was in a hurry: one of the minor roles was anxious to go and eat, so I checked whether he was in a hurry, and he reassured me he wasn't. We chatted for a short while, photos were taken (I took one of Faye with him, but I'd better check first before I publish it), and I hope I impressed upon him how much I had enjoyed the performance. He presented each of us with a signed photo, saying that he had two left, and we should have them. Very nice!
Jonas Kaufmann
I always appreciate it so much when singers and conductors take the time to be greeted by fans afterwards. they're under no obligation to do so, and often tired and hungry after the perfomance. I know some enjoy extending the adrenaline rush and love the adulation, but I don't think that goes for the majority.It was soon clear, for example, that Ildebrando was struggling to understand English, and the lovely Tony our wonderful conductor always looks a bit bemusedwhen greeted by fans 'rabbit caught in the headlights' as Faye put it. I do think it's very brave of them, because they never know quite who'll be waiting on any given evening, and they surely know that every house has its nutter quotient.
I would say that the majority of singers etc I have met are approachable, personable, pleasant. Most of them seem to be pretty much down to earth, tending to leave their glamorous side for stage and for photo shoots. It's a nice end to an enjoyable evening.
We also met another star, Louis the horse, but I didn't take a photo, in case flash was a bad move. Big horse. Beautiful.
