Aigul Akhmetshina has canceled her remaining performances of “Il Barbiere di Siviglia” at the Paris Opera due to visa issues.

The mezzo took to social media and said, “I’m sad to announce that my visa situation is still not resolved. Because of this, I’ve missed rehearsal and the first performance, and unfortunately, I will also miss the second show. Together with the theatre, we made the mutual decision that I will step down from this production. It breaks my heart, but sometimes bureaucracy takes control.”

As a result, Isabel Leonard will sing the remaining performances and will join a cast that includes Mattia Olivieri, Levy Sekgapane, Carlo Lepore, Luca Pisaroni, and Andres Cascante.

“Il Barbiere di Siviglia” is set to run through July 13, 2025.

Akhmetshina is set to return to the stage for the July 4 performance of “Carmen” at the Arena di Verona.

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