La Cieca hears that bodacious Bryan Hymel will make his Royal Opera debut in June as Don Jose, jumping in for an ill (but recovering) Marcus Haddock. Two months before, Hymel will sing his first Énée for Netherlands Opera under the baton of John Nelson in a production by Pierre Audi.

Closer to home, Hymel sings tonight for Opera Orchestra of New York in a program hosted by beloved Metropolitan Opera commentator Ira Siff.