(Credit: Paul Scala)

The Wiener Staatsoper has announced that tenor Benjamin Bernheim will not appear in the role of Rodolfo in Puccini’s “La bohème” for the Jan. 6, 2022 performance.

As a result, tenor Saimir Pirgu will take over the role.

Additionally, the company noted that Ryan Speedo Green will portray Colline in all performances of the run between Jan. 6 – 16, 2022.

Pirgu and Green join a cast that includes Nicole Car in the role of Mimì, Slávka Zámečníková as Musetta, Étienne Dupuis as Marcello, Martin Häßler as Schaunard, and Marcus Pelz in the roles of Alcindoro and Benoit. Eun Sun Kim conducts a production by Franco Zeffirelli, with costume design by Marcel Escoffier.

Bernheim is still slated to sing the final three performances on Jan. 9, 12, and 16, 2022.

The Jan. 6 performance will mark the reopening of the Wiener Staatsoper after closing due to a COVID-19 outbreak.