Soprano Sondra Radvanovsky has announced on Instagram that she has pulled out of the cast in Gran Teatre del Liceu’s upcoming The Queen of Spades (Pique Dame). The production is scheduled to open today, January 26, 2022.
Radvanovsky was cast to sing the role of “Lisa” in Tchaikovsky’s classic opera about a Russian officer named Hermann who tries to get the secret of winning a high-stakes card game. Being an Opera, it ends terribly for him.
The Canadian soprano was to sing alongside Yusif Eyvazov, but will now be replaced by Lianna Haroutounian.
Grieving the loss of her mother
In a candid video message, Radvanovsky explained what’s been going on over the past month and why she has decided to cancel.
“I’m coming to you from my home here in Toronto to just apologize for not being able to be in Barcelona for the Pique Dame at the [Gran Teatre del] Liceu,” she said, visibly upset.
“My Mother just passed away last week, and it’s been a really difficult time for me processing everything. Losing a mother is unlike any other loss we experience in our lives, and I just really needed this time to concentrate on me, and to concentrate on getting healthier, happier, and rested.”
Radvanovsky also stated she had recently recovered from COVID-19 after getting the illness for the second time in late December.
“I will be back. Just give me a little time to stop crying. I miss my mom. I’ll see you all really soon…”
Who’s going to fill-in?
- Lianna Haroutounian will be singing performances on Jan. 26, Feb. 1, 5, 8, and 11, 2022.
- Irina Churilova will sing on Jan. 27, Feb. 2, 4, 6, and 10, 2022.
This wasn’t the first time Radvanovsky had to cancel dates in the production…
…Radvanovsky initially cancelled dates for the opera on Jan. 26 and 27 and Feb. 2, 4, 6, and 10, 2022.
The star soprano confirmed she will be back in Napoli for the Three Queens Concert scheduled on February 22, 2022. This performance will also coincide with a new recording of the program to be released next month on the Pentatone label.
We wish her well.
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