ANGELA GHEORGHIU - GHEORGHIU SCRAPS FIRST FEW CARMEN PERFORMANCES

GHEORGHIU SCRAPS FIRST FEW CARMEN PERFORMANCES

Opera star ANGELA GHEORGHIU has pulled out of a string of performances in the upcoming New York production of CARMEN, citing "personal reasons" for the cancellation.
The soprano was due to take the lead in the new Metropolitan Opera show when it opens on 31 December (09), starring opposite her husband Roberto Alagna.
But she has been forced to scrap her first six appearances of the eight-date run and will return to the stage in time for the April and May engagements - the two dates Alagna is not scheduled to perform.
Apologising in a post on her website, her representatives say, "With deep regret Angela Gheorghiu has to announce that she has to withdraw just from the first six performances of the new production of Carmen at the MET later this year due to personal reasons.
"She will appear in the title role of Carmen as scheduled on April 28 and May 1, 2010."
Elina Garanca will perform in Gheorghiu's absence, while tenor Jonas Kaufmann will pick up the lead male role of Don Jose when Alagna leaves.