(Credit: Elena Cherkashyna)

Pretty Yende has withdrawn from her gala concert in Budapest due to the death of her mother.

The soprano took to social media and said, “My sweet mommy passed a few days ago. Our entire family and my town are in mourning, she touched so many lives with the magnitude and kindness of her heart and smile, which could light up everything and everyone around. This Saturday, July 29th, we will be saying goodbye to her physical presence, as she will always remain present in our hearts.”

She continued, “Nadine Sierra and I had our ‘Golden Age’ duo concert scheduled for this coming Saturday in Budapest; regrettably I have to cancel my part of the performance. My dear friend, incredible colleague, and a spectacular tenor – Francesco Demuro, will be joining the concert in my place. With Godspeed my dearest friends Nadine Sierra and Francesco Demuro. I thank the organizers of Margitszigeti Színház in Budapest for their support and understanding in this most difficult time of my life.”

The concert is scheduled to be conducted by Pablo Mielgo and will feature music from the Bel Canto era as well as other songs and arias.

OperaWire’s staff sends its condolences to Yende and her family in this difficult time.