Emergency at Premiere - Opera Singer Hospitalized - Audience member saves Don Giovanni after singer's mid-show collapse
A performance of Mozart's Don Giovanni at Chemnitz Opera took an unexpected turn on Friday evening. Singer Johann Kalvelage fell seriously ill during the first act, forcing an immediate halt. The show resumed only after quick intervention from two unexpected sources.
Kalvelage, a bass-baritone in his first season with the Chemnitz ensemble, was rushed to hospital straight after the incident. His condition required urgent care, and he remained under observation until late that night.
With the lead role of Leporello suddenly vacant, staging assistant Antonia Bär stepped in to handle the character's physical movements on stage. Meanwhile, Markus Marquardt, a bass-baritone from the audience, volunteered to sing the part. Marquardt, a long-standing member of Dresden's Semperoper ensemble, had performed the same role there just two years earlier. His experience proved vital in keeping the production alive.
Chemnitz Opera later thanked both Marquardt and Bär for their swift and unplanned support. The theatre confirmed Kalvelage's discharge from hospital late on Friday, though no further details about his recovery were shared.
The performance concluded without further disruption, thanks to the combined efforts of Bär and Marquardt. Kalvelage's sudden illness highlighted the unpredictability of live theatre, while the quick response ensured the show went on as planned. The incident also underscored the close-knit nature of Germany's opera community, with professionals stepping in across companies to assist.
