“Latvian soprano Kristine Opolais has withdrawn from the role of Elsa in The Royal Opera’s forthcoming new production of Lohengrin, to ensure her full recovery from a routine abdominal medical procedure.” So says the ROH’s press office.

The role of Elsa will now be sung by Irish soprano Jennifer Davis, veteran of such daunting parts as Nursing Sister in Suor Angelica, Ines in Il trovatore, and First Lady in Die Zauberflöte.