The Wiener Staatsoper has announced a cast change for its April 12 performance of “Andrea Chenier.”

The company said that George Petean will sing the role of Gerard, replacing Luca Salsi, who is ill.

The change follows the opening night performance in which David Babayants jumped in mid-performance for Salsi making his house debut. He said, “First of all, I want to wish with all of my heart fast recovery to one of the greatest baritones of our time, and amazing generous person Luca Salsi !We all human beings, and bad days we have all! But show must go on! So today I jumped as Carlo Gerard in “Andrea Chenier.” I want to thank amazing audience of Wiener Staatsoper for such a support, standing avation ,warmth!!!!! And also I want to thanks Maestro Pier Giorgio Morandi, Sonya Yoncheva, Michael Fabiano, all amazing colleagues and staff of Wiener Staatsoper for huge support!!!”

Petean has recently performed the title role of “Simon Boccanegra” at the Staatsoper Berlin and in a production of “Il trovatore” at the Staatsoper Hamburg.

He joins a cast that includes Sonya Yoncheva and Michale Fabiano. Pier Giorgio Morandi conducts.

Salsi is set to return for the final performance on April 15, 2025.

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