This just in from musicalamerica.com: “Marilyn Horne’s manager at Columbia Artists Management Inc., has confirmed that Ms. Horne has been diagnosed with localized pancreatic cancer.” A source at the Marilyn Horne Foundation adds:

“Marilyn Horne has been diagnosed with localized pancreatic cancer, which, allowing for recent significant breakthroughs in treatment, offers an excellent prognosis for a full recovery.

“Marilyn Horne is known throughout the world for not only her magnificent voice, but also for her tremendous energy and human spirit, which will, along with the love of her family and friends, see her through this challenge.”

Ms. Horne, who turned 72 on Monday, is scheduled to participate in “The Song Continues… 2006” next week, including masterclasses on January 24 and 27.