Change of Schedule!

There's been a change in plans for the Metropolitan Opera's 2007-2008 season.
Instead of doing Les Contes d'Hoffmann the Met will show Bizet's Carmen.

Well, why the change?

Funny story about that...
The tenor Marcelo Alvarez decided to retire Hoffmann from his repertoire.

"We want to ensure that the world’s greatest singers are performing at the Met in roles that suit them best,” said General Manager Peter Gelb. “While this change affects previously announced plans, we are delighted that Met audiences will get to hear Marcelo Álvarez sing Don José for the first time and that Olga Borodina will perform one of her signature roles.” *

Couldn't have Mr. Alvarez waited another year? Okay, guess not. However, we will have the pleasure to see the great Zeffirelli production of Carmen with the absolutely stunning mezzo-soprano Olga Borodina.

The the cast includes:
Carmen: Olga Borodina/ Nancy Fabiola Herrera (one performance)
Don Jose: Marcelo Alvarez
Micaëla: Krassimira Stoyanova
Escamillo: TBA
Conductor: Emmanuel Villaume


Too bad Hoffmann wasn't on my subscription! I'd be seeing Carmen! =)