Polish tenor Piotr Beczała cancels Met appearances due to infection

Polish tenor Piotr Beczała was forced to withdraw from New Year’s Eve premiere of Bizet’s Carmen at the Metropolitan Opera in New York. The company had to call up Puerto Rican tenor Rafael Davila to sing the part of Carmen’s troubled lover Don José as an understudy.

Piotr Beczała.

PAP/EPA/MAXIM SHIPENKOV

Beczała wrote on Facebook: “Due to a high fever and cough, I won't be able to perform. I gave it my best, but unfortunately, virus got the upper hand, so now I'm focusing on getting better for the upcoming performances. […] Thank you for your understanding and support. I wish you all a fantastic New Year 2024! May it be filled with joy, success, and unforgettable moments”.

Forthcoming performances of Carmen are on January 3, 5, 9, 12, 16, 19, 23 and 27, and subsequently in April and May.

Beczała, who turned 57 on December 28, is to sing in Verdi’s Aida in the 2024 New Year’s Eve gala at the Met. (mk/pm)