Message and "Thank You"
March 10, 2010
Dear Friends,
I thank you all from the bottom of my heart for your concern and your
good wishes. It is wonderful to know that I have so many friends all
over the world, and I want to reassure all of you that the doctors have
given me a clean bill of health, with no follow-up therapies necessary.
I can’t go on stage for a few more weeks, but I am spending my time
studying and preparing for future engagements. I feel well and am
looking forward to performing again as soon as possible.
My love to you all.
Plácido
That makes such good reading - certainly better than trying to read between the lines of statements, and strike a realistic balance between gloom and irrational optimism.
I am still not actually looking forward to Simon Boccanegra in London, yet - I'll be a lot happier when he steps onto the stage at La Scala on 16 April. But I did declare today (after seeing Covent Garden's dismal 2010/11 season) that I shall be going to Washington and Madrid next year, and I also stated that I am sure he will be at Covent Garden in the autumn of 2011.
I haven't said very much over the past couple of weeks, because I am bitterly disappointed that he had to cancel his appearances in London. I was not entirely confident that I could make it perfectly clear that although I am totally disappointed and consequently somewhat depressed, there is no doubt in my mind it was the right thing for him to do. I feel annoyed and upset, but at fate, at randomness, not at him.
I regret the missed opportunities to see him, and it did scare me that he might never perform again, people very close to me suggesting that maybe it's time he slows down and starts taking it easy. Good to see he's not rusting, but studying and preparing for future engagements (quite a few Verdi baritone roles can be studied in this time...).
Let's hope he has an enjoyable recuperation, and roll on April 16 and Milan (April 29th live in cinemas!)
