The Teatro Real de Madrid has announced a cast change for its production of Puccini’s “Manon Lescaut.”

The company said, “Due to health reasons, Saioa Hernández has had to cancel her appearances in the performances on Oct. 3^rd and 6^th. The role of Manon Lescaut will be performed by Sondra Radvanovsky on Oct. 3^rd and 6^th, and by Carolina López Moreno on Oct. 5^th.”

Hernández also added on social media, “Unfortunately, I will have to abandon the production of Manon Lescaut, which was giving me so much joy and with which I was having a lot of fun. And that makes this situation even sadder to me. I also know that this unforeseen situation will cause changes in the remaining role casts, and I am especially sorry because I know it poses a disruption to my colleagues and the public. When I was still recovering from the virus that had hit me and thinking about being able to sing tonight’s function, the day before yesterday I woke up with a severe abdominal pain. Some of you will remember that in 2018 I suffered a similar episode that left me in the hospital for more than ten days, and another similar one in 2023 that forced me to cancel a role on ‘Madama Butterfly.'”

She added, “Long story short: I have suffered a rupture of a follicle, with fluid release in my abdomen, causing abdominal pain and major inflammation. Now it’s time to rest, avoid bumps, bounces and physical efforts, and wait for the body to reabsorb that fluid. I think, and I hope, that the smartest decision is to look after my health, recover fully, and then try to find together with my doctors a treatment that helps prevent something like this from happening again. I want to sincerely thank Sondra and Carolina for their wonderful effort in filling in for me in these roles. To the public, for your understanding. And to all my colleagues and the Royal Theatre team, thank you for each of your messages of love, support and support during these days. To my husband, thank you for your care, your patience and your empathy. And to you, of course, thank you for understanding that we are human beings and that these things happen. Sometimes, plus, when you least expect it. Hearty wish all the best to the entire team for the remaining functions. I will try to recover completely and come back with all my strength. I love you guys!”

“Manon Lescaut” also stars Michael Fabiano, Jorge De León, Lucas Meachem, and Szymon Mechliński. Nicola Luisotti conducts the production by Carlos Wagner. The production runs through Oct. 11, 2026.