LONDON (AP) — The music director of London's Royal Opera House says modern-day singers lack commitment and stamina compared to previous generations of performers.
Antonio Pappano says singers "are either weaker in their bodies or don't care," and need more periods of rest than previous generations.
The Royal Opera was hit by several high-profile pullouts from its productions this season.
Pappano also says modern productions, which often are filmed for broadcast, demand more rehearsal from performers, and travel and promotion duties also take a toll.
He spoke Wednesday at the announcement of the company's 2013-2014 season, which includes new productions of Richard Wagner's "Parsifal," Giuseppe Verdi's "Les vepres siciliennes" and Richard Strauss's "Die Frau ohne Schatten."
Royal Ballet productions include a new version of "Don Quixote" created by Cuban dancer Carlos Acosta.
