(Credit: Mark Allan)

The Philharmonia Orchestra has announced a cast change for its performance of Verdi’s Requiem on Sept. 21 at the Royal Festival Hall.

The orchestra said, “This performance was originally advertised with Natalya Romaniw as the soprano soloist. We’re delighted that she is expecting a baby later in the autumn. For reasons relating to her pregnancy, she has reluctantly had to withdraw. We are extremely grateful to Susanne Bernhard for stepping in at short notice. Due to ill health, Christoph Fischesser is also unable to perform. We are extremely grateful to Tareq Nazmi for stepping in at short notice.”

Romaniw also released a statement that said, “Unfortunately I have had to withdraw from what would’ve been my last concert pre-Motherhood. I’m very sad not to be participating in tonight’s Verdi Requiem with the wonderful Philharmonia but breathing at 36 weeks pregnant has become somewhat challenging! I wish everyone all the very best for tonight and look forward to my greatest role yet as a Mama.”

Bernhard and Nazmi are set to join a cast that includes Karen Cargill and Stanislas de Barbeyrac. Santtu-Matias Rouvali conducts the performance.