On Dec. 1, 2019 Kiandra Howarth made a surprise role and house debut at the Scottish Opera as the soprano stepped in on short notice to sing the title role  of Mascagni’s “Iris,” replacing Helena Dix.

Dix announced her cancellation via social media on the day of the performance stating, “I’m devastated to announce that I’ve had to withdraw from today’s performance of Iris at the Scottish Opera. A few days ago I got a severe flu. Amongst many vile symptoms, it seems to have stolen my beautiful high notes and left me powerless. I have nothing left. Utterly heartbroken.”

Dix returns to the stage in June for performances of “Roberto Devereux” at South Bank Centre and with the Chelsea Opera Group.

Meanwhile Howarth, a Jette Parker Young Artist at the Royal Opera, sings the title role in Puccini’s “La Rondine” at the Teatro Lirico di Calgari.