Sonya Yoncheva has canceled her performance of “Iolanta” at the Wiener Staatsoper on Sept. 10, 2025.

The soprano took to social media and said, “Dear All, some of you have noticed that I couldn’t take part at the Gala in Vienna last Sunday. The night before while performing ‘Iolanta’ at the Wiener Staatsoper, I felt an incredible physical fatigue, which made me sing and breath with a big effort. This is really not usual for me and I concluded that the very busy summer period I got (20 performances in less than 2 months, with 8 different programs) was the reason for this. My body said STOP and I will listen to it this time! I am sorry about this situation and I send my excuses to my beloved Viennese audience. I cherish all your support! I am planing to be back on stage the 21/09 at the Enescu Festival, where I will perform some selected arias by the famous Romanian composer. With all my respect and love. Sonya.”

The cancellation comes after Yoncheva, as noted, was unable to sing on the Sept. 7 gala and saw Sandra Hamaoui and Camilla Nylund perform instead.

As a result, Elena Stikhina will sing the title role of Tchaikovsky’s work.

Stikhina is set to join a cast that includes Ivo Stanchev, Boris Pinkhasovich, Dmytro Popov, Attila Mokus, Daniel Jenz, Simonas Strazdas, Monika Bohinec, Maria Zherebiateva, and Teresa Sales Rebordão. Timur Zangiev conducts.

Read Related Stories