“World’s greatest Verdi baritone” back onstage after overcoming illness
Worried opera lovers everywhere (and we at Delos) heaved a huge sigh of relief when it was announced a few weeks ago that revered baritone Dmitri Hvorostovsky would return to the Metropolitan opera stage this month after canceling his summer engagements due to serious illness.
Last June, the opera world was shocked and saddened to learn that Dmitri had been diagnosed with a brain tumor, and that his scheduled summer engagements had been cancelled to allow for a course of treatment. Thankfully, his illness did not affect his magnificent voice – and his doctors are optimistic, expecting him to make a full recovery.
His return to the Met stage will be in one of Dmitri’s signature roles: as Count di Luna in David McVicar’s production of Giuseppe Verdi’s blockbuster, Il Trovatore. Joining him in an otherwise star-studded cast will be vaunted soprano Anna Netrebko as Leonora.
However, he will limit his appearances to the first three of six performances: opening night on September 25 (tomorrow!), with repeat appearances on the 29th and October 3. He will then turn the role over to Ukrainian baritone Vitaliy Bilyy for the final three performances in October, while he returns to London “for continued treatment.” He plans on returning to the Met in February for the opera’s second run this season.
Having made more than a dozen critically acclaimed recordings for us, Dmitri’s positive response to his course of treatment is particularly joyful news for us at Delos. Please join us in keeping Dmitri in your thoughts and prayers as he continues his progress towards a complete recovery … and, if you can, BE there for one of his imminent appearances!
Dmitri Hvorostovsky Delos Recordings
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