New York opera canceled after sprinkling of suspected cremains in orchestra pit

New York's Metropolitan Opera canceled a show Saturday afternoon after a powdery substance believed to be the ashes left over after a cremation was sprinkled into the orchestra pit. The audience was evacuated, and though one person asked for medical attention, no one was injured.

The suspected cremains might have been an opera lover's ashes, said police investigating the incident, as a man in the audience was reportedly overheard saying "he was here to sprinkle ashes of a friend, his mentor in opera, during the performance." No arrest has been made, and though the investigation is ongoing, a representative of the New York Police Department indicated there was no evidence of criminal intent.

"We appreciate opera lovers coming to the Met," said Met General Manager Peter Gelb of the incident. "We hope that they will not bring their ashes with them."

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