(Credit: Yan-Bleney)

The Wiener Staatsoper has announced a cast change for Verdi’s “La Traviata” on Sept. 6 and 9.

The company said that Etienne Dupuis will sing the role of Germont replacing an ill Ludovic Tézier.

Tézier took to social media and said, “Dear friends, I was on my way to our beloved Wiener Staatsoper to give alongside my fantastic colleagues Lissette Oropesa and Juan Diego Flórez a series of Papa Germont but a virus caught me, leaving me voiceless! Despite the fact I am curing it and am improving, I wouldn’t be good enough to shine on stage with such a great cast! I think it is fair for the public’s legitimate expectation and for those super artists and friends to share music and stage for the 2 first performances of ‘La Traviata’ with another great artist like them; currently in Vienna (lucky Vienna!) my good friend Etienne Dupuis! All the best to you all!”

Dupuis is currently rehearsing a new production of “Don Carlo” at the Wiener Staatsoper and will join a cast that includes Lissette Oropesa and Juan Diego Flórez. Domingo Hindoyan conducts the production by Simon Stone.

Tézier returns for the final performances on Sept. 13 and 15, 2024.