Joyce DiDonato has canceled her upcoming performance of Donizetti’s “Maria Stuarda.”

The mezzo-soprano, who was scheduled to perform a concert version of Donizetti’s Tudor queen on Dec. 6 canceled due to illness. As a result, soprano Patrizia Ciofi will sing the title role.

Ciofi is not new to the role of “Maria Stuarda” as she has performed it several times including her last performances in 2016 at the Opera d’Avignon. The soprano recently sang the role of Gilda in Verdi’s “Rigoletto” and Magda in “La Rondine.” She also performed the title role in “Norma” at Liège. Next, she returns to the Grand-Théâtre de Genève, where she will sing in Donizetti’s “Viva la Mama.” She is also scheduled for “Le Nozze di Figaro” in Marseille and La Clemenza di Tito in Liége.

DiDonato returns to the stage for recitals in the U.S. and concerts in Shanghai, Beijing, Macau, and Hong Kong.

Ciofi will join Carmen Giannattasio and Enea Scala, who round out the cast. Speranza Scapucci conducts the performance.