Robin Ticciati, Glyndebourne’s music director, has withdrawn from conducting this year’s production of Wagner’s Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg (21 May – 27 June) because he needs to recover from recent surgery for a herniated disc. The injury occurred in February and this announcement adds to a set of cancellations with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, of whom Ticciati is principal conductor.
Ticciati, who has held the top post at Glyndebourne since 2014, says he was particularly looking forward to this chance to conduct David McVicar's production of Die Meistersinger, with baritone Gerald Finley as Hans Sachs. It was first seen at Glyndebourne in 2011.
‘I’m incredibly disappointed to have to withdraw from what would have been my first ever Wagner opera,’ he reflects. ‘I would like to wish the company all the best as they start rehearsals.’
Despite this setback, Ticciati intends to be back at the helm later in the summer, conducting Glyndebourne’s production of Berlioz’s Béatrice et Bénédict. This setting of Much Ado About Nothing is being staged to tie in with the 400th anniversary of the death of William Shakespeare, and it will be the first time the work has been seen at the Sussex opera house.
In the meantime, a replacement conductor for Die Meistersinger will be announced in due course.
For further details of the Glyndebourne summer festival season click here
