Joseph Calleja has withdrawn from his upcoming performances of “Parsifal” at the Bayreuth Festival.

In a statement, Calleja said, “Due to a persistent throat infection, I was advised by my doctor to withdraw from the current production of Parsifal here in Bayreuth. Goes without saying that this was a very hard decision to take, and I am so sorry for disappointing those of you who were looking forward to seeing me in this great opera and historic venue. I take this opportunity to wish all the best to all of my colleagues and the production team for a great first night!”

As a result, Andreas Schager will take over the title role of the new production of “Parsifal;” Schager was originally supposed to sing the part of Erik in “The Flying Dutchman,” but due to the new assignment in “Parsifal,” he has withdrawn from that production. The festival announced it would find a replacement for Schager in “The Flying Dutchman” as soon as possible.

Schager will join a cast that includes Derek Welton, Tobias Kehrer, Georg Zeppenfeld, Jordan Shanahan, Elīna Garanča, and Ekaterina Gubanova. Pablo Heras-Casado conducts the new production by Jay Scheib.

“Parsifal” opens on July 25 and runs through August 27, 2023.