The Wiener Staatsoper has announced a cast change for its upcoming production of Verdi’s “Don Carlos.”

The company revealed that Michele Pertusi will take over the role of Philippe II for Ildar Abdrazakov, who tested positive for COVID-19.

In a statement, the company noted, “as the artist himself announced, Ildar Abdrazakov tested positive for the coronavirus in Russia. The  Wiener Staatsoper wishes the singer a speedy recovery and a symptom-free course. Due to the illness, he cannot come to the extensive rehearsals for the revival of “Don Carlos” and will therefore not sing the role of Philippe II.”

Pertusi has performed at the Wiener Staatsoper in multiple performances of suc operas as “Don Pasquale” and “La Cenerentola.”

Pertusi joins a cast that includes Jonas Kaufmann, Igor Golovatenko, Roberto Scandiuzzi, Malin Byström, and Eve-Maud Hubeaux. Bertrand de Billy conducts the production which opens on Sept. 27, 2020.