Franz Welser-Moest collapsed into his podium at the end of the first act of the four-and-a-half-hour long Parsifal.

BBC: Vienna opera director collapses during performance

Welser-Moest took up the role of musical director in 2010, replacing Japanese conductor Seiji Ozawa, who was forced to take a break from performing due to illness.

BBC: Vienna opera director collapses during performance

Welser-Moest, who is also director of the Cleveland Orchestra in the United States, was admitted to hospital following the incident but allowed to return home later that same evening.

BBC: Vienna opera director collapses during performance