Opera's crucifix scene censored

A 19th Century opera has been censored in the Italian city of Naples after the Catholic choir protested about the production, according to reports.

The choir objected to a scene in Faust where an actor tramples on a crucifix, saying it was "blasphemous".

The Corriere della Sera daily reported 15 members of the 80-strong San Carlo choir signed a petition.

Director Jean-Louis Martinoty said he had made some small changes to the production as a result of the protest.

'Happy compromise'

The petition read: "The choreography is blasphemous and we will not perform this Faust.

"We are in the period of Lent and we will not take part in such things."

Martinoty played down the incident and said he had struck a happy compromise with the choir, which is southern Italy's leading ensemble.

He told the paper: "I heard the protest and there have been some small changes.

"I have a good rapport with the choir and we laughed together about the incident."

Faust, by French composer Gounod, tells the story of an academic whose ambition leads him to strike a pact with the devil in exchange for endless knowledge.

The opera opened in Naples on Sunday evening with Bulgarian soprano Daria Takova in the role of Marguerite and Italian bass Ruggero Raimondi playing the part of Mephisto.