La Cieca hears that Susan Neves has joined the cast of Washington National Opera’s Un ballo in maschera to sing Amelia in two performances, and Tamara Wilson will sing two additional performances. The American sopranos take over dates held by Irène Theorin.
La Cieca just heard that Stephen Costello goes on tonight (i.e., in just a few hours) in Roméo et Juliette at the Salzburg Festival opposite Anna Netrebko. He’s jumping in for Piotr Beczala, who, if you ask Norman Lebrecht, is probably malingering with a South Seas cutie.
The much-publicized Takesha Meshé Kizart has withdrawn “due to illness” from the title role of Maria di Rohan at Caramoor tomorrow night (!!!) to be replaced by her cover, Jennifer Rowley.
The Met's press office has just announced that "Stephen Wadsworth will direct the Metropolitan Opera’s new production of Mussorgsky’s Boris Godunov, replacing Peter Stein, who has withdrawn for personal reasons."
"Mexikanische Startenor" Rolando Villazón has canceled tomorrow night's performance of L'elisir d'amore at the Munich Opera Festival due to an "acute infection." Speaking of "a cute," substituting in the role of Nemorino will be puppylicious Pavol Breslik. [via]
A member of the cher public reminds La Cieca, "How soon do we start wondering who will conduct the new Rheingold at the Met? I thought I would see Jimmy at Tanglewood next week for the Mahler 2nd, but Mikey Twinkle-Toes will be in charge that evening." La Cieca's answer: it's never too soon to start wondering. And there's only one way to learn the answer to this pressing question. Read more »
With only 117 days remaining before the start of the Met's 2010-2011 season, Olga Borodina has withdrawn from the revival of Les Contes d'Hoffmann. Stepping into the gondola will be Enkelejda Shkosa. Yes, that's right, the lineup of Hoffmann ladies will be Elena Mosuc, Hibla Gerzmava, and Enkelejda Shkosa -- at a $420 top.
Carlos Álvarez has withdrawn from the Metropolitan Opera's January 2011 performances of Rigoletto. Veteran Verdian Leo Nucci will take on the title role for these five performances, including the Saturday broadcast.
Cher Public