The Wiener Staatsoper has announced a production change for its 2023-24 season.

The company said that it will no longer show Aribert Reiman’s “Medea” and instead will revive a production of Richard Strauss’ “Ariadne auf Naxos.”

According to a press release, “Nicole Chévalier, who sang the title role at the Komische Oper Berlin in 2017, cannot fulfill her contract for serious family reasons. “Medea” has only been shown in three productions since its premiere at the Wiener Staatsoper in 2010. Besides Nicole Chévalier, there are only two singers in the world who can master the demanding role; both are unavailable for the scheduled performance dates, forcing a change in the performance schedule.

The “Ariadne auf Naxos” production will now feature Michael Boder conducting Sven-Eric Bechtolfs’ production. Krassimira Stoyanova stars as the prima donna/Ariadne alongside Daniel Frank as the tenor/Bacchus, Sarah Aristidou as Zerbinetta, Tara Erraught as the composer, and Adrian Eröd as the music teacher.

Performances will be held on Jan. 21, 24, and 27, 2024.