Breaking News: Major Cancellation For The Royal Opera’s New ‘Otello’

By Francisco Salazar

Ludovic Tézier has canceled the upcoming production of Verdi’s “Otello” at the Royal Opera House.

The baritone, who was scheduled to perform the role of Iago in Keith Warner’s production, said, “Due to health reasons, I was unfortunately unable to attend the first week of rehearsals for The Royal Opera’s new production of ‘Otello.’ When it became apparent that I would be further delayed by two days for a doctor’s appointment, The Royal Opera made the difficult decision to re-cast the pivotal role of Iago. Obviously I am hugely disappointed not to be making my role debut in this new production of ‘Otello’ but I look forward to returning to The Royal Opera next season to sing King Ferdinand in ‘L’Ange de Nisida’.”

Marco Vratogna will now take on the role in performances scheduled for June 21, 24, and 28 and July 2, 6, and 10.

Vratogna recently made headlines when he stepped in for Evgeny Nikitin at the Baden Baden Festival, singing Scarpia in Puccini’s “Tosca.” He made his Royal Opera debut in 2008 as Paolo Albiani in “Simon Boccanegra” and has since performed in “Aida” and “Tosca.”

Tézier, who also canceled a run of “Don Carlo” at Covent Garden in May, is the latest artist to have canceled at the Royal Opera House. Over the past month Rolando Villazon, Krassimira Stoyanova, and Dinara Alieva have canceled appearances there as well.

The new “Otello” opens on June 21 with Jonas Kaufmann and Maria Agresta still scheduled to perform.

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