Anna Netrebko's replacements (yes, plural) in the ROH's Faust have been announced. Sonya Yoncheva and Alexia Voulgaridou will share the role.
Yoncheva is in for Netrebko on 4, 7, 17 and 22 April and Voulgaridou on 11, 14 and 25 April.
Neither is new to Covent Garden. Both have served in the La bohème trenches: Yoncheva was Musetta in 2012 and Voulgaridou sang Mimì in 2008.
Is Yoncheva going to be flying between London and Munich (where she is due to sing Traviata later in the month)? That sounds like a punishing schedule!
Posted by: John | 05 March 2014 at 02:53 PM
I've got tickets for the 14th. Never heard of Voulgaridou. What's she like?
Posted by: Nik | 05 March 2014 at 03:37 PM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLOaOI82oNw
Not bad!
Posted by: Emil Archambault | 05 March 2014 at 04:11 PM
I have often found Youtube evidence to be quite misleading as to the quality of live performance - both on the upside and downside. But it's encouraging nonetheless.
She seems to have made a bit of a name for herself in Australia in recent years.
Posted by: Nik | 05 March 2014 at 04:28 PM
I saw Voulgaridou in Opera Australia's Tosca last year. I thought she was *very* good.
Posted by: Michael | 06 March 2014 at 01:28 PM
Whoever is worried about it, Yoncheva was absolutely phenomenal today at the FGR!
Her voice, her presence, everything was spot on! Can't wait for opening night! I think the auditorium agreed with me on that too
Posted by: John | 01 April 2014 at 07:48 PM
I saw general rehearsal today and thought Yoncheva did amazing job! Her voice and her presence were a spot on! I think people should go with an open mind and stop thinking about the big names that many times disappoint us but there are some great voices out there that need to be heard!
Glad I kept my tickets and now I am looking for my other two performances of Faust
Posted by: John | 01 April 2014 at 09:15 PM