"The Tales of Hoffmann" Cast Change Announced
2010-07-15
Gidon Saks, who was to appear as the four villains: Lindorf, Coppélius, Dr. Miracle and Captain Dapertutto in The Santa Fe Opera’s new production of The Tales of Hoffmann that opens Saturday, July 17, has withdrawn from the cast. He has been diagnosed with a severe case of laryngitis and advised by his doctor to take complete vocal rest for the next month to six weeks. He will be replaced for the entire run by bass baritone Wayne Tigges.
“Gidon is a wonderful artist and we had looked forward to his debut in these important roles,” commented General Director Charles MacKay. “The Company wishes him a speedy recovery and return to the stage. “ MacKay continued, “We are very fortunate to have Wayne ready to step into these formidable roles on short notice.”
Tigges made his Santa Fe Opera debut in 2005 as Basilio in The Barber of Seville. He returned last season and appeared in La Traviata and Alceste. His list of opera credits include leading companies in this country; Los Angeles Opera, Chicago Lyric Opera, Metropolitan Opera and in Europe, at Glyndebourne and the Paris Opera. He is also active on the concert stage. Coming performances include Das Rheingold with the Los Angeles Opera, Carmen in San Diego and Don Giovanni in Tulsa.
Tigges was to have appeared as the Vicar in the season’s production of Albert Herring. Jonathan Michie, a first year apprentice, will now assume the role. A native of Rochester, New York, Michie has participated in several apprentice programs: Chautauqua Opera, Lake George Opera and Florida Grand Opera. With these opera companies he had roles in operas including Carmen, Lucia di Lammermoor and The Barber of Seville. He is winner of the Lotte Lenya Competition and the Palm Beach Opera Competition. His recent engagements include appearances at Lincoln Center and at the Ravinia Festival.
July 15, 2010
CONTACT: Joyce Idema, Cindy Layman, Dolores McElroy press@santafeopera.org
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