(Credit: Shirley Suarez)

The Bayerische Staatsoper has announced that John Relyea will take over the role of King Philipp in its upcoming production of “Don Carlo.”

The company announced the news days after Ildar Abdrazakov withdrew for personal reasons. In a statement the bass said “I needed to take a break from my schedule and cancel all July shows. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.”

Relyea has performed at the Metropolitan Opera, Wiener Staatsoper, Canadian Opera Company, and San Francisco Opera. His repertoire includes the works of Verdi, Wagner, Stravinsky, Donizetti, Handel, Gounod, and Britten, among others.

Relyea joins a cast that includes Charles Castronovo, Ludovic Tézier, Dmitry Ulyanov, Maria Agresta, and Clémentine Margaine. Daniele Rustioni conducts the production, which will be presented on July 28 and 31, 2023.