Opera Colorado has announced a cast change for its production of Korngold’s “Die tote Stadt.”

The company said that soprano Sara Gartland, cast in the roles of Marie and Marietta, is unable to sing due to a neurological condition likely caused by a past COVID-19 infection. Providing vocals for the four performances will be soprano Kara Shay Thomson, while Ms. Gartland plays the stage role.

Gartland said, “I am devastated to not be able to sing the roles of Marie and Marietta in Die tote Stadt with Opera Colorado due to a paresis of my superior laryngeal nerve. I am receiving the most amazing medical care and guidance from Dr. David A. Opperman and Kate Emerich. I want to thank Greg Carpenter and the entire Opera Colorado team for their support and love and for bringing in the stunning soprano Kara Shay Thomson to sing the role while I walk and act the part on the stage. This production is filled with colleagues whom I love and treasure with all my heart. I am so thankful to be a part of the production and help bring this story to life.”

“Die Tote Stadt” is set to star Jonathan Burton, Daniel Belcher, Elizabeth Bishop, and Jonathan Johnson. Ari Pelto conducts the production by Chas Rader-Shieber. Opera Colorado will perform the opera between Feb. 25 and March 5, 2023.