(Credit: Dario Acosta)

Günther Groissböck has withdrawn from the Metropolitan Opera’s first-ever French “Don Carlos.”

The company announced that the bass was withdrawing from the role of Philippe II for “personal reasons” and will be replaced by Eric Owens.

Owens recently performed the Italian version of “Don Carlo” at the Washington National Opera with OperaWire writing, the bass-baritone gave an “incredible sensitive reading that was truly breathtaking in both its intelligence of musicianship but also pathos of emotional resonance.”

Owens is set to star alongside a cast that includes Matthew Polenzani, Sonya Yoncheva, Elina Garanca, Etienne Dupuis, and John Relyea. Sir David McVicar directs the production, which is set to be conducted by Yannick Nézet-Séguin.

“Don Carlos” opens on Feb. 28 and runs through March 26, 2022.