The Bayreuth Festival has announced a cast change for its new production of “Parsifal.”

The company said that Ekaterina Semenchuk has canceled her participation in the Bayreuth Festival for private reasons.

As a result, Elīna Garanča will take on the role of Kundry at the opening of this year’s Festival, as well as on the two performance dates of July 30 and August 12.

In a statement, the mezzo said, “Knowing that Wagner has made his first attempt at a festival hall in Latvia makes me incredibly proud and excited.” The opening will mark her debut on the Green Hill.

The performances on August 15, 19, 23, and 27 will be taken over by Ekaterina Gubanova, already well-known and highly appreciated in Bayreuth. Gubanova recently celebrated an acclaimed role debut as Kundry in Vienna.

Both artists will join a cast that includes Joseph Calleja, Derek Welton, Tobias Kehrer, and Georg Zeppenfeld. Pablo Heras-Casado conducts.