Breaking News: Jonas Kaufmann Cancels Met ‘Tosca;’ Grigolo to Replace Him

By David Salazar

It has now been over three years since Jonas Kaufmann has appeared at the Metropolitan Opera. Fans were excited to see the tenor return next season for a hotly anticipated “Tosca,” but alas, the wait for his return to New York will continue after news broke out that he has canceled his appearances next season.

The New York Times broke the news on Friday stating that the tenor’s management had messaged Met general Manager Peter Gelb informing him that the tenor was “rethinking his schedule because of his personal life and professional obligations” and was no longer available to rehearse and perform in the new “Tosca.” The article does hint that Kaufmann could appear in later performances.

In his stead, Vittorio Grigolo will perform alongside Kristine Opolais in the hotly anticipated David McVicar production. The run will open as part of the Met’s annual New Year’s Eve gala. This will be Grigolo’s first appearance as Cavaradossi in the opera which he famously performed as a child in the role of the Pastorello.

The last time Kaufmann performed at the Met was in 2014 when he took on the title role in Massenet’s “Werther.” He was scheduled to return for two performances of “Carmen” in 2015 alongside Elina Garanca but illness prevented him from performing. He also withdrew from the 2016 production of “Manon Lescaut,” which also starred Opolais. Roberto Alagna replaced him on short notice.

In the NY Times article, Gelb states that he would be open to having the tenor return but he would “approach him with caution.”

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