Lawrence Brownlee as Tonio in Donizetti’s “La Fille du Régiment.” Photo: Karen Almond / Met Opera
The Metropolitan Opera audience on Saturday night got a pleasant surprise when it was announced that tenor Xabier Anduaga, star of the Met’s new production of La sonnambula, was unwell and would be replaced by experienced belcantista Lawrence Brownlee. You can hear for yourself how he did below.
Brownlee, who is in town for another Tyrolean opera, a revival of La fille du régiment that opens on Friday, stepped into a role he has not sung since a 2023 production in Madrid. The intrepid alpinist will complete a Bellini double-header when he returns for the new production of I Puritani to open on New Years’ Eve opposite his Paris Elvira, Lisette Oropesa. Anduaga is still listed for the remaining performances in the run, including tonight’s broadcast and the Live in HD performance on Saturday. Brownlee’s next opening night, Friday’s Fille, will also be streamed live.
Bellini: La sonnambula, “Prendi l’anel ti dono” (New York 2025)
Lawrence Brownlee
Nadine Sierra
Conductor: Riccardo Frizza
Metropolitan Opera
11 October 2025
In-house
