I do hope not, but after unconfirmed (but almost certainly true) reports that he's pulled out of Covent Garden's Werther next year (to be replaced by man-of-the-moment Vittorio Grigolo, some say) comes some late news from Munich.
He's withdrawn from a short run of L'Elisir d'amore which starts tonight - due to 'infection'. I do hope it's just a cold, but something tells me that a rollercoaster career may have finally reached the end of its ride.
UPDATE:
Dear Friends
I am very sorry to have to let you know that I have been suffering from severe stomach problems and am now under doctor's orders to rest until further notice.
I am sad to have to cancel the performances of "L'elisir d'amore" in Munich on July 21 and 24 but am hopeful that I will recover in time for the performance on July 27.
Rolando
I'd also heard he wasn't going to make the Werther and can't say I'm particularly sad about that. He wasn't in good enough shape when I heard him a few months ago and I didn't think he would be nearly ready in time. After Manon, I'm more than happy with Grigolo replacing as I suspect many others will be as well.
All that said, I will be a little sad if he just train crashes to a finish. Once very promising and whilst his voice clearly isn't what it used to be with careful care I had expected him to get back to being a very decent singer of lighter weight roles (the ones he should have stuck to from the start). A depressing career by any standards.
TTC
Posted by: TTC | 21 July 2010 at 12:23 PM
Villazon is still listed to sing in Il re Pastore in Zürich next July 2011 "ein spannendes Rollendebüt". I don't kow the opera but surely a less strenuous one than Werther, or even Nemorino.
Posted by: John | 21 July 2010 at 12:52 PM
@John well, he hasn't *officially* cancelled any appearances anywhere, so let's wait and see. But it's not looking good.
Posted by: inter mezzo | 21 July 2010 at 01:04 PM
shame on you !!!!
Posted by: JACQUES Danièle | 21 July 2010 at 01:39 PM
I'm so disappointed that he's cancelled the Werther as I've always wanted to hear him in this role live. Looks like I never will now :-(
Still no official statement from Covent Garden about it - are they going to say something or are they just hoping we won't notice when the Booking Period 3 magazine comes out with a different tenor listed?
Anyway, I wish Rolando a speedy recovery and sincerely hope we haven't seen the last of him at the ROH. When he's on form he's one of the most thrilling artists I've ever encountered and a lovely person too
Posted by: Faye xx | 21 July 2010 at 01:53 PM
Opera Magazine's "We hear that" section includes a statement that Vittorio Grigolo will be replacing Rolando Villazon in Werther at Covent Garden.
I don't suppose they would publish this unless they were reasonably certain.
I'm not sure this signals the end for Rolando. It could just mean that he is being more careful with his parts than in previous years and has decided to stick to lighter parts for the time being. If this is so, I think think such a realistic and careful approach should be welcomed by all; it might ensure that he preserves his voice and career for longer than all the nay-sayers are predicting.
Posted by: Jon | 21 July 2010 at 03:55 PM
What happens when you call in sick too many times for your job?? You get fired!
Rolando got the good bye from the Metropolitan Opera already. Is he now getting the good bye from Covent Garden? I hope not.
Domingo was identified by the Zarzuela romanza "No puede ser", which became his signature. Rolando's signature is set to be "La cucaracha"!
Posted by: Mokin | 21 July 2010 at 06:56 PM
The reason he's turning down London engagements could partly be that total ass-handing he received from Hugh Canning. Who'd want to be reviewed by that guy again?
Posted by: MB | 21 July 2010 at 10:26 PM
I think you are over rating Hugh Canning's clout by several degrees !
He was probably booked for the Werther "slot" sometime ago. I suspect on the basis that they are going to need a star tenor to sell it. (Much as I admire Koch - much under rated imho)
They have got 6 to sell and after Manon - Grigolo would probably do that - even though as Werther, he is going spend most of the time wandering around the stage with all the fun and charm of a wet weekend in Barnsley.
ps - Shame on who ??
Posted by: a mac | 21 July 2010 at 11:22 PM
He can always fall back on a "duets" album with KJ.
Seriously I hope this is not the beginning of the end as I really like Rolando and think he is a great Opera talent.
I hope that the rumours of him not doing Werther are unfounded but at least the rumoured sub would be a great replacement.
Posted by: Graham Walton | 22 July 2010 at 12:09 PM