Critics worry that heckling, such as that at a recent Royal Opera performance, is becoming more common
O
pera audiences pride themselves on knowing when – and how – to make noise. Cries of “bravo”, “brava” and “bravi” have become a celebrated part of the tradition, with shouted approval seen as evidence of connoisseurship.
Booing, too, has a long history, and as a brave stand-in at the Royal Opera House found out on Tuesday night, its impact may sometimes seem a little blunter.
The incident unfolded during a performance of Puccini’s Turandot when the tenor Roberto Alagna, singing Prince Calàf, fell ill after the second act and was forced to withdraw.
