Soprano Anna Netrebko Withdraws from Vienna State Opera Due to Illness

Netrebko has withdrawn from a performance with the Vienna State Opera and will be replaced by Lise Davidson

Russian-Austrian soprano Anna Netrebko recently stepped down from her debut as Ariadne in Strauss’ Ariadne auf Naxos at the Vienna State Opera due to ill health. 

Stepping in for Netrebko is the Norwegian soprano Lise Davidsen, who has recently been performing at The Metropolitan Opera in Puccini’s Tosca conducted by Yannick Nézet-Séguin.

Davidsen achieved international acclaim upon winning multiple prizes at the Operalia, Queen Sonja, and Hans Gabor Belvedere competitions in 2015, and has since performed at the Royal Opera House Covent Garden, Teatro Alla Scala Milan, Bayerische Staatsoper, and more. 

In Netrebko’s stead, she will sing as Ariadne alongside Michael Spyres, Kate Lindsey, and Sara Blanch, with the Vienna State Opera Orchestra conducted by Cornelius Meister. 

Netrebko, who is next set to appear in a recital in Florida in February, explained her situation in a statement on her website. 

“I am regrettably obliged to withdraw from my January performances in Ariadne auf Naxos at the Wiener Staatsoper, which would have marked my role debut,” Netrebko said. “Ill health this month compromised the preparation time required before starting rehearsals just after the New Year. 

“I am sad that I will not be interpreting this incredible new role but, because of the time unexpectedly lost, I am unable to prepare it to the standard I demand of myself,” she added. “I am sorry to disappoint everyone who planned on attending. Since beginning to study the role of Ariadne, I have fallen in love with it and looked forward to debuting it. Bogdan Roščić and I are working to find a new period as soon as possible for me to sing it in Vienna. I am grateful that Lise Davidsen accepted to give the performances and wish her all my best.”