Vienna Opera House Delivers Odorless ‘Barber of Seville’ Performance
Vienna’s opera enthusiasts can breathe a sigh of relief: The Vienna State Opera has replaced the offending set for Friday’s February 21 performance of "The Barber of Seville." Several audience members had complained of unpleasant cheese-like odors during a performance last week, with some fleeing the auditorium before the conclusion of Gioachino Rossini’s comedic masterpiece.
"It smelled like old gorgonzola," one attendee, who wished to remain anonymous, told the tabloid Kronen Zeitung.
Contacted by AFP, the venerable Austrian institution confirmed that it had "received complaints" but maintained that "only a few" people left before the end of the performance.
The Culprit: Stinky Ceiling Canvases
The source of the odor was eventually traced to large, colored plastic canvases suspended from the ceiling, which have since been removed and discarded.
"The material deteriorated during storage, causing the extremely unpleasant odor," the opera house explained, adding that "the technical management is working with the manufacturer to remedy this defect."
Vintage Set to the Rescue
In the meantime, a set dating back to 1966, used in a previous production, served as an emergency solution this week and will once again be featured in Friday evening’s performance. Despite its age, no complaints of musty odors have been reported.
Previous Incident Raises Questions
The recent odoriferous incident at the Vienna State Opera has raised questions about the storage and maintenance of its sets and props. The institution boasts a vast collection of historical and contemporary sets, many of which are made from delicate materials that require careful handling.
Some observers have suggested that the opera house should invest in improved climate control systems and storage facilities to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. Others have called for a thorough review of the storage and maintenance practices for all of the opera’s sets and props.
Reputation at Stake
The Vienna State Opera is one of the world’s leading opera houses, renowned for its artistic excellence and historical significance. Incidents such as the recent odor problem can damage the institution’s reputation and reputation for quality.
The opera house has a responsibility to ensure that its performances are both enjoyable and safe for its patrons. By taking steps to address the storage and maintenance issues that led to the odor problem, the Vienna State Opera can safeguard its reputation and continue to deliver world-class opera experiences.
Additional Measures
In addition to improving storage and maintenance procedures, the Vienna State Opera could consider implementing other measures to minimize the risk of future odor problems. These could include:
- Regular inspections of all sets and props for signs of deterioration
- Use of odor-absorbing materials in storage areas
- Installation of air purifiers in performance spaces
By taking these proactive steps, the Vienna State Opera can ensure that its patrons can enjoy their opera experiences without being subjected to unpleasant odors.
