Update: Ildar Abdrazakov has released a statement regarding his cancelation at La Scala. 

He said, “Dear friends, With a heavy heart I have to inform about my withdrawal from the production of Offenbach’s “Les contes of Hoffman” at Teatro alla Scala. My schedule is formed a few years in advance, but life makes it’s adjustments and unfortunately I ought to make some cancellations because of the family reasons. The circumstances do not allow me to leave my family for a long time – my 4 small children and first of all my very sick mother, who had a severe stroke over a year ago and lives in Ufa, where I have to travel often. Therefore, I cannot keep up with the very tight schedule and some cancellations occur. I’m very thankful to the management of the Teatro alla Scala and Dominique Meyer in particular for their understanding and cooperation.”

The Teatro alla Scala has announced a cast change for its production of “Les Contes d’Hoffmann.”

The company said that Luca Pisaroni will sing the roles of Lindorf/Coppelius/Dottor Miracle/Dapertutto. Pisaroni will replace Ildar Abdrazakov, who was originally scheduled to perform the new production.

The change comes days after OpernNews published an exposé about Abdrazakov’s ties to Russian dictator Vladimir Putin. However, the Milan theater did not confirm whether Abdrazakov’s replacement was due to this.

Abdrazaov opened the 2022-23 La Scala season in a new production of “Boris Godunov” and canceled the final performance in order to perform a New Year’s concert in Russia. The bass next performs a concert with Putin Supporter Valery Gergiev on March 8 in St. Peterburg, Russia.

“Les Contes d’Hoffmann” opens on March 15 with Vittorio Grigolo, Eleonora Buratto, Federica Guida, and Francesca Di Sauro. Frédéric Chaslin conducts the production by Davide Livermore.