The Washington National Opera (WNO) has announced that American soprano Leah Crocetto will sing the title role of “Aida” in performances on September 10, 15, and 17 replacing American soprano Amber Wagner, who has withdrawn from the production for personal reasons.

WNO Artistic Director and Aida director Francesca Zambello said, “We are incredibly fortunate that an artist of the caliber of Leah Crocetto, who originated the role in this new production’s premiere in San Francisco last season, was available to step in at the last minute. We are disappointed not to present Amber Wagner’s role debut as Aida, but I know she will have success in the role in the future.”

Crocetto is returning to Washington where she made her debut as Madame Lidoine in “Dialogues of the Carmelites” in 2015 and was presented in a recital with pianist Mark Markham in the Terrace Theater in 2016. She is scheduled to sing Elisabeth of Valois in WNO’s new production of “Don Carlo” and later this season will also make her role debut as “Tosca” with the Pittsburgh Opera. She is also scheduled to appear as Liù in “Turandot” with San Francisco Opera. She is currently starring as Eleonora in the American premiere of “The Siege of Calais” at The Glimmerglass Festival in a production directed by Francesca Zambello.

Wagner is scheduled to return to the stage in October for “Turandot” at the Vancouver Opera.