Metropolitan Opera Cast Change Advisory; Terfel Replacing Morris for 4/16 Performance

Bryn Terfel is unexpectedly stepping in at the last moment to sing the role of Scarpia for this evening's performance of Tosca, replacing James Morris, who is ill and withdrew early this afternoon.

Terfel is in New York rehearsing the role of Wotan for the opening of the Met's new production of Die Walküre next Friday, April 22nd. He was attending this afternoon's performance of Wozzeck, sitting in an orchestra aisle seat, which is where the Met's management found him during a scene change in the performance. He immediately agreed to sing the role and left the Met for his apartment with a score of Tosca in hand to prepare for tonight's performance.

Terfel sang Scarpia at the Met last spring to much critical acclaim.

Tonight is the final performance this season of Tosca, which also stars Violeta Urmana in the title role and Salvatore Licitra as Cavaradossi. Marco Armiliato conducts.