Bass Gabriel Sanchez-Ortega says he has been removed from the remaining performances after displaying the flag on opening night. The company described the gesture as unauthorised and contrary to its policy.
Calgary Opera has announced that Gabriel Sanchez-Ortega will be replaced as Angelotti in the remaining performances of Puccini’s Tosca, following his display of a Palestinian flag during the opening-night curtain call on 16 October.
In a statement, the company described the action as “unexpected and unauthorized” and said another artist would perform the role for the rest of the run.
“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,” Calgary Opera said.
The company acknowledged that the incident may have affected audience members, performers, crew, orchestral musicians and Jubilee Auditorium staff in different ways, and expressed regret for any discomfort or distress caused. It said it had addressed the matter directly with the artist and reinforced its expectations with the cast and production team.
Singer’s response
Sanchez-Ortega confirmed his removal in a social media statement, linking the decision to his display of the Palestinian flag.
“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,” he wrote.
The singer also said he had been informed that financial threats had been made against Calgary Opera. The company’s statement did not address that claim.
“I hold no resentment. After the theatre, (political or otherwise) we all have to go home, and look at ourselves in the mirror,” he continued. “It was my honor to play the role of Angelotti, an escaped political prisoner.”
Sanchez-Ortega is a bass in his first year of Calgary Opera’s McPhee Artist Development Program. His company biography also lists roles in Cinderella, Otello and The Pied Piper for the 2026/27 season. The statement announcing his replacement in Tosca did not specify whether those engagements or his participation in the programme would be affected.
The remaining performances of Tosca are scheduled for 18 and 24 October at the Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium.
A similar incident in London
The episode recalls a Palestinian flag protest at London’s Royal Opera House on 19 July 2025, during the final curtain call of Verdi’s Il trovatore.
A performer unfurled the flag onstage, prompting Director of Opera Oliver Mears to emerge from the wings and attempt to take it from him. A brief tussle followed, with the performer retaining the flag. The Royal Ballet and Opera subsequently described the display as unauthorised and inappropriate.
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