Mezzo-soprano Annely Peebo performs with leg in cast after open fracture

Estonian mezzo-soprano Annely Peebo performed at the Saaremaa Opera Days with her leg in a cast after suffering an open fracture. She sang the role of Fricka in Richard Wagner's "Das Rheingold," the opening work of his opera cycle.

The accident occurred when Peebo crossed the street wearing wide trousers, and the tip of her shoe got caught in the fabric, causing an open fracture and torn ligaments. Despite the injury, she was determined to perform: "In my life, when something happens, it happens completely. We have such a historic event in Estonia — we are performing Wagner — and this is also my first role as Fricka, and I will not let anyone take that from me, even if the universe wants to pull the handbrake."

Peebo emphasized that becoming a Wagner singer takes time and long-term experience, as it involves not only singing but also precise articulation of text and message. She noted that Wagner roles suit her and that now is the right time.

The Saaremaa Opera Days also featured other Estonian opera singers working abroad, including Ain Anger, Aile Asszony, and Monika-Evelin Liiv. Asszony remarked that only two non-Estonian singers were in the entire production, highlighting the world-class level of Estonian performers.