Villazon cancels Met performances

Tenor Rolando is too ill to perform in Donizetti`s `L`Elisir d`Amore`.

New York, April 08: Tenor Rolando Villazon has canceled his remaining four performances in Donizetti`s "L`Elisir d`Amore" at the Metropolitan Opera because of what the company described as acute laryngitis.Villazon had previously withdrawn from the first two performances as Nemorino, on March 31 and April 4. His six-month absence from the stage last year led to speculation that he was suffering from vocal troubles.

Brian Banks will replace Villazon on Wednesday, Dimitri Pittas will be the replacement tenor for April 11, 15 and 18. Joseph Calleja will sing as scheduled on April 22. Bureau Report