American soprano Emily Pogorelc is set to make her Washington National Opera debut in the upcoming production of Bernstein’s “Candide.”

The soprano will replace Kathryn Lewek who has pulled out of the role of Cunegonde. In a press release, Artistic Director and Director of “Candide,” Francesca Zambello noted, “We are thrilled Kathryn Lewek will remain among a list of stars performing the WNO Gala on May 20 despite withdrawing from our production of ‘Candide.’ We eagerly look forward to having her return to Washington National Opera in future seasons, and congratulate Kathryn and her husband, who are expecting their first child.”

Pogorelc is currently a member of the Ryan Opera Center at Lyric Opera of Chicago where she is expected to perform in the company’s the 2018–2019 productions of Massenet’s “Cendrillon” and Strauss’ “Elektra.”

“Candide” concludes the WNO’s 2017–2018 season. Nicole Paiement conducts the production which is set to star tenor Alek Shrader as Candide, and Denyce Graves as the Old Lady.

Candide runs from May 5–26, 2018 at the Kennedy Center Opera House.