The season has yet to commence and already the Vienna State Opera has a few major cast changes to announce.

Perhaps the biggest of these is the announcement that Evelyn Herlitzius will no longer sing the role of Brünnhilde in the upcoming Ring cycle. She will be replaced by Iréne Theorin.

Another high-profile change includes soprano Marina Rebeka, who was originally slated to interpret the role of Elettra in “Idomeneo.” She will instead be replaced by Irina Lungu for performances on Feb. 16, 19, and 22.

Roberto de Candia will take on the title role in Donizetti’s “Don Pasquale” on June 8, 11, and 14, in lieu of Michele Pertusi, who was originally scheduled to take on the title role.

Finally, Udo Samuel will appear in the role of Krachmeyer for the World premiere of “Die Weiden” in December.