Opera Australia replaces singer dropped over anti-gay ‘faecal masses’ Facebook rant
Opera Australia has announced the replacement for a singer dropped over a homophobic rant on her Facebook page.
Georgia-born soprano Tamar Iveri had been rehearsing for Opera Australia’s upcoming performance of Othello, but attracted criticism after the message surfaced online.
The rant, addressed to the Georgian president, read in part: “I was quite proud of the fact how Georgian society spat at the [pride] parade, organized by your team.
“Often, in certain cases, it is necessary to break jaws in order to be appreciated as a nation in the future, and to be taken into account seriously.
“Please, stop vigorous attempts to bring West’s ‘faecal masses’ in the mentality of the people by means of propaganda.”
She later claimed her “very religious” husband posted the rant on her Facebook account, but following extended criticism, Opera Australia released her from her contract.
Armenian soprano Lianna Haroutounian has this week been confirmed as her replacement.
In a statement on Wednesday, the group said: “Opera Australia is excited to announce Lianna Haroutounian will sing the role of Desdemona in Otello at the Sydney Opera House this winter.
“Lianna Haroutounian is fast emerging as one of the most exciting Verdi sopranos of her generation. Her engagement to sing with Opera Australia marks her Australian debut.”
