USA Spoleto has announced that Natalie Dessay has canceled her appearance in Spoleto's Opening Gala (in Charleston, SC) on April 1st "due to illness" and will be replaced by Mezzo Denyce Graves. Graves sings in Spoleto's new production of Flora, a "ballad opera with lyrics written to the accompaniment of popular tunes of the time," which will be performed to celebrate the opening of Spoleto's new Dock Street Theatre after three yearsof renovation. Dessay's been having health issues since last month when she canceled a Paris Sonnambula halfway through the show, and has since withdrawn from The Metropolitan Opera Ambroise Thomas Hamlet run.
The Boston Symphony Orchsetra just announced that James Levine will pull out of the next three weeks of BSO programs (including the world premiere of Peter Lieberson's Songs of Love and Sorrow this week) to heal from back problems. The American conductor underwent back surgery six months ago for a herniated disc and was forced to cancel many performances. He also withdraws from Mendelssohn's Elijah in Boston (April 1-3), a Carnegie Hall Elijah (April 5), and Mahler's Seventh (April 8-10), which were to have been Mr. Levine’s final appearances with the BSO for the 2009-10 season.
Best healing wishes to Dessay & Maestro Levine for speedy recoveries!