Edited by Natalia Di Bartolo–

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Jonas Kaufmann has canceled his performances in a highly anticipated new production of Puccini’s “Manon Lescaut” that will open at the Metropolitan Opera next month. The company said in a statement that Mr. Kaufmann was suffering from illness.

Roberto Alagna will replace him in “Manon Lescaut“, singing the role of des Grieux for the first time, for 9 performances from February 12 to March 11, 2016.

In order to prepare the role of Chevalier Des Grieux and this short notice and unanticipated stage debut, he will withdraw from his commitment to sing the role of Canio in the Met’s ongoing production of PAGLIACCI. (Marco Berti will replace him, completing the game of musical chairs.)

Directed by Richard Eyre, this production of Manon Lescaut is a collaboration between the Met and the Baden Baden Festival, where it premiered in 2014. Roberto Alagna will appear alongside Kristine Opolais in the title role, conducted by Fabio Luisi.

Radio live broadcasted on SIRIUS on Feb 12 and part of the Met HD live program (CINEMA) on March 5, 2016.

SOURCE AND PHOTOS: The New York Times, M° Roberto Alagna’s Official Facebook page, Philippe Gromelle, Sara Krulwich/The New York Times