Opera star Terfel quits Wagner's Ring Cycle
LONDON, Sep 4 (Reuters) Welsh opera star Bryn Terfel has suddenly pulled out of the Royal Opera's production of Wagner's Ring Cycle starting next month, citing family reasons, the Royal Opera House said.
Terfel, 41, was due to have sung the key role of Wotan/The Wanderer in his first performance in a complete Ring Cycle.
That role will now be taken by Sir John Tomlinson, who had been due to share the role with Terfel.
The Royal Opera yesterday said it was shocked and surprised at Terfel's cancellation.
In a statement issued by his agent, Terfel expressed his deep regret at his decision but said he had no choice.
''I have had a particularly stressful family situation involving one of my children this summer which has affected the time I had put aside to prepare for this challenging role.
''Having begun rehearsals it is clear to me that I would not be able to perform at the standard I would wish to, and rather than progressing through rehearsal in the hope that I might make it, I feel it is better ... that I withdraw at this stage,'' he said.
Tomlinson is regarded as one of the finest Wagnerian singers of our time. In 2007 he received the Society of London Theatres Special Olivier Award for Outstanding Contribution to Opera and The Arts.
REUTERS
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