Evgeny Nikitin has canceled the final performance of Baden-Baden’s new production of Puccini’s “Tosca.”

The festival announced that ‘due to a last-minute illness,” Evgeny Nikitin would not perform.

The bass-baritone, known for his work in Wagner, sang the first performances of the run and scored disappointing reviews. The Financial Times said, “Nikitin appears indisposed, losing his voice progressively through the second act.”

As a result, the Italian baritone Marco Vratogna will take over the role of Scarpia. The baritone has performed the role in Vienna, Dresden, Berlin, London and Hamburg.

Vratogna is well known for singing Verdi and Puccini and upcoming performances include Verdi’s “Un Ballo in Maschera” and “Rigoletto” in Teatro lirico Callegari. He also returns to the Royal Opera House for Scarpia alongside Angela Gheorghiu and Martina Serafin.

The final performance of “Tosca” is slated to also star Kristine Opolais in the title role as well as Marcelo Alvarez as Cavaradossi. Sir Simon Rattle will conduct the Berlin Philharmonic with the performance set for a live stream and broadcast on Arte.