Jonas Kaufmann and 'that' operation

Jonas Kaufmann has revealed exactly why he's withdrawn from the Bologna Opera tour of Japan next month. A letter published on the promoter Fuji's website (and reproduced in full below) reveals he needs an operation to remove a node from his chest.

He hints at the possibility the node may be cancerous. Let's all hope not.

"Dear Friends,

I regret very much having to tell you that I will unfortunately not be able to sing the performances of Carmen for you next month. I was so looking forward to coming to Japan now and I want to assure everyone that this decision has nothing do with the difficult issues you have had to face in Japan in these last months. The fact is that I need to have an operation to remove a node in my thoracic area. I do not wish anyone to become alarmed reading this, but my physicians have ordered me to have the surgery as soon as possible. This will take place after my appearance in Stockholm on September 2. I am pretty sure that the results of the histological examination will come up "benign" but as I said, this procedure could not be further delayed.

I am extremely sorry I must cancel my trip to Japan and thus disappoint many friends. From my previous appearances in Japan, I have the most lovely memories of the audience there as especially enthusiastic, knowledgeable and kind. I have always regarded the great affection lavished on me there as an exceptional honor. I therefore hope for the understanding of those of you who empathize with my situation, or who may even have been in a similar position themselves, and I hope to come to you as soon as possible in the future.

With warm regards,
Jonas Kaufmann"

Comments

[CruzSF]

I'm floored by this news. Best wishes to Kaufmann and his family.

[Liane]

This comes as quite a shock to me and I can hardly believe it. Poor Jonas! I do hope it is benign and he should look after himself as well as possible. I wish him and his family the very very best and my thoughts and I know those of many many others, will be with him.

[sjt]

This will be the thoracic lymph nodes, and removal is prophylactic against any risk of spreading. But if his doctors really thought it was cancerous, he wouldn't still be singing up to the 2nd September, believe me. Fingers crossed. Presumably it'll be done laparoscopically to minimise the possibilty of thoracic muscular damage. Even so, he'll need to take it easy for a bit....

[Les Mitchell]

I am astonished to hear this news. I'm very frightened for him. He's just reaching the pinnacle of his career, with that gorgeous bronzed voice and unforgettable artistry. May the node turn out to be benign and may the doctors send it to hell. I'm very upset about this, and I know we'll all be waiting with baited breath until September 2nd.

[VERSCHAFFEL FREDDY]

I really hope the node is benign, and the sjt comment is correct!He'll be soon back on stage, for shure. All the best Jonas.
VFGhent

[Faye]

Oh no, I really pray that he'll be alright and it's nothing serious.

So are we guessing the chances of him cancelling his Royal Festival Hall concert at the end of October are quite high??

[Nikolaus Vogel]

Faye - the RFH concert is a Gubbay promotion, so even if he cancels it on that date, it will be rescheduled at a later date. He may need to rest a bit after an operation. My guess is that he have every reason to be optimistic. If his doctors thought the growth was malign, he would be having surgery now! The likes of Jonas don't have to twiddle thumbs on NHS waiting lists.....

[Gi]

"A node in my thoracic area" can be anything so let's hope it's minor and benign and that he can be singing again very soon.
My best wishes for him, of course.

[Claudia4Ever]

Wishing him a healthy result and speedy recovery...and big hugs to him and his amazing family!