(Credit: Karen Almond)

The Teatro alla Scala has announced a cast change for its production of “La Forza del Destino.”

The company announced that Brian Jagde will sing the role of Don Alvaro replacing Jonas Kaufmann who was originally scheduled.

Kaufmann said, “I have had the privilege of taking part several times in my career in this outstanding moment of Italian culture. I am all the more sorry to have to disappoint the public and my colleagues this time. However, I hope for their understanding, especially in a country where family still has great importance.”

Jagde has performed the role of Don Alvaro to great acclaim at the Paris Opera, Metropolitan Opera, and the Gran Teatre del Liceu. Of his Met performances, OperaWire noted, “It’s hard not to see why as he has a strong tenor voice that can emit incredible sound into the cavernous space with great Italian diction necessary for these heavier spinto roles.”

Jagde made his Teatro alla Scala debut in “Cavalleria Rusticana” in 2024 and has since performed “Turandot” at the theater.

He will join a cast that includes Anna Netrebko, Ludovic Tézier, Vasilisa Berzhanskaya, Alexander Vinogradov, and Marco Filippo Romano. Riccardo Chailly conducts the production by Leo Muscato. A second cast will feature Elena Stikhina, Luciano Ganci, and Amartuvshin Enkhbat.

Kaufmann will be in Milan for the concert celebrating Giacomo Puccini’s centenary conducted by Maestro Chailly on Nov. 29 together with Anna Netrebko and Mariangela Sicilia.