The Teatro alla Scala has announced a new cast change for its Verdi Requiem.

The company noted that Francesco Meli will sing the tenor part replacing Freddie De Tommaso who was originally scheduled.

Meli is well known for Verdi and has sung the requiem on numerous occasions. He is currently performing “Il Corsaro” at the Teatro Carlo Felice and is set to perform “Carmen” at the Arena di Verona this summer. He returns to the Verdi Festival for “La battaglia di Legnano” this fall. 

Meli joins a cast that includes Marina Rebeka, Daniela Barcellona, and Alexander Vinogradov. Riccardo Chailly conducts the concert which will be held on May 23 at the Basilica di San Marco, Milan on the historical occasion of the 150th anniversary of the first performance of the Requiem.