The Greek National Opera’s “Turandot” featured a major cast change for its first performance on June 1, 2025.

The role of Calaf was sung by Riccardo Massi, who took over for Brian Jagde, who withdrew due to health concerns.

Jagde opened up about his health condition on social media, stating, “A few months ago I was diagnosed with diverticulitis. It’s a painful & difficult to manage condition that unfortunately runs in my family. I was still rehearsing and performing, taking lessons and coachings, while managing my symptoms & flare-ups with a specific diet, guided exercise, hydration, and rest. However, on arrival in Athens I began to experience pain. I sang the pre-dress, and in the next days my health declined. I’m now on an antibiotic drip and the doctors are optimistic that this current issue will resolve itself.”

He thanked the Greek National Opera for its hospitality, adding that “they have treated me like family – getting me to the hospital, taking care of every detail, not wanting me to have any stress… For myself & my wife this situation has been a nightmare as she’s not here, so to have people like this in our corner means so much. I wish every theater could demonstrate the kind of love, care, and respect for artists that I’ve been shown by GNO – even for the ones who don’t end up performing on their stages! I look forward to returning to Athens to sing for the passionate audiences here ”

This is the latest in a series of cast changes for this production and Jagde. The tenor was originally scheduled to take on “The Queen of Spades” at the Metropolitan Opera in late May, but withdrew due to scheduling conflicts. Eventually, after another cast change, Arsen Soghomonyan, who was scheduled to sing Calaf at Greek National Opera was called over to take on the Tchaikovsky opera and make his Met debut. The open slot allowed Jagde to get the opportunity at his Greek National Opera debut in a role he has dominated worldwide for several years.

Per the company’s official website, Jagde will get a chance to make that debut on June 5 and 8. Massi is set to perform on June 3 and 6.

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