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American Soprano Dawn Upshaw has been diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer, and has pulled-out of upcoming performances through January 2007 to begin chemotherapy. After recovery, she plans to make a full return to singing.

The biggest cancellation of her November preformances is in the world premiere of Kaija Saariaho's new opera, "La Passion de Simone", at the New Crowned Hope Festival in Vienna, Austria. Replacing Upshaw will be Pia Freund.

Scoring really high points is Maestro Esa-Pekka Salonen, who was slated to conduct Upshaw in "La Passion de Simone" for the United States premiere on January 12, 2007. Instead of enlisting a new soprano in the part of Upshaw, Salonen has opted to postpone the entire US premiere at least one season until Upshaw has recovered.

Best of luck to our lovely Dawn, and wishing her a quick recovery.