The Houston Grand Opera has announced a cast change for its upcoming production of Verdi’s “Aida.”

The company announced that mezzo-soprano Michaela Martens, scheduled to sing the role of Amneris in Verdi’s Aida, has withdrawn from the production due to personal reasons. As a result, renowned soprano Melody Moore and Catherine Martin will takeover the run.

Moore will make her role debut as Amneris and sing the first three performances, while HGO Studio Alumna Martin will sing the final three performances.

This season, Moore will release her first solo album entitled “An American Song Album” with pianist Bradley Moore on Pentatone Records and is scheduled to make her role and house debut as the Foreign Princess in “Rusalka” at Cincinnati Opera.

Meanwhile,  Martin is set to join the Lyric Opera of Chicago’s Ring cycle singing the roles of Waltraute in “Die Walküre” and the Second Norn in “Götterdämmerung.”

“Aida” is set to be directed by Phelim McDermott with Tamara Wilson signing the title role and Russell Thomas in his house and role debut as Radamès. HGO Artistic and Music Director Patrick Summers conducts.

The production runs from Jan. 31 – Feb. 16, 2020 at the Wortham Theater Center.