Anna Netrebko has canceled her role debut in “Ariadne auf Naxos” at the Wiener Staatsoper.

The soprano released a statement noting, “I am regrettably obliged to withdraw from my January performances in ‘Ariadne auf Naxos’ at the Wiener Staatsoper, which would have marked my role debut. Ill health this month compromised the preparation time required before starting rehearsals just after the New Year. I am sad that I will not be interpreting this incredible new role but, because of the time unexpectedly lost, I am unable to prepare it to the standard I demand of myself. I am sorry to disappoint everyone who planned on attending. Since beginning to study the role of Ariadne, I have fallen in love with it and looked forward to debuting it. Bogdan Roščić and I are working to find a new period as soon as possible for me to sing it in Vienna. I am grateful that Lise Davidsen accepted to give the performances and wish her all my best.”

Davidsen is well-known for her interpretation of the role, having performed it to great acclaim at the Metropolitan Opera. Of her performances in the opera a few seasons ago, OperaWire noted, ” “In her third assignment at the Met, the Norwegian soprano showed many facets of her persona. She can be comic, tragic, and romantic. She can be physical and subtle. More importantly, she has one of the few voices in the world that can fill the Met stage with great resonance and gleaming colors… The ‘Gibt es kein Hinüber’ was pure passion and ringing tones that gave me goosebumps every time she let her mighty voice loose. The ensuing lines that she sings alongside the Nymphs were filled with great sensitivity and purity and when she was tasked with sing with Jovanovich at the end, the voice simply gleamed.”

“Ariadne auf Naxos” is set to be performed on Jan. 21, 25, 28, and 31, 2025. Davidsen will join a cast that includes Adrian Eröd, Kate Lindsey, Michael Spyres, Thomas Ebenstein, Sara Blanch, and Jusung Gabriel Park.

Read Related Stories

– Metropolitan Opera 2021-22 Review: Ariadne auf Naxos

– Wiener Staatsoper to Stream ‘Ariadne Auf Naxos’ Featuring Anna Netrebko & Michael Spyres