Soprano Anda-Louise Bogza, who was to perform the principal role of Donna Leonora in the performance of Verdi’s La Forza del Destino at the Aurora opera house on 13 October, and bass Martin Gurbal, who was to interpret the role of Padre Guardiano have withdrawn their participation from this year’s production.

The major role of Donna Leonora has now been entrusted to soprano Paola Romanò, who in 2001 played Donna Elvira in the production of Verdi’s Ernani. The Italian soprano started her musical career in the role of Santuzza in Cavalleria Rusticana at the Teatro Regio of Parma, winning her first national contest in 1984.

Ernesto Morillo Hoyt will be replacing Gurbal as Padre Guardinao. Hailing from Caracas, Venezuela, Hoyt commenced his musical tuition when still a young lad under the direction of Claudio Muskus. In 1998 he moved to Europe with a view to refine his vocal techniques and attend master classes organised by renowned opera singers, namely Bianca Berini, Franco Sioli e Bonaldo Giaiotti. Between 1998 and 2000 he was engaged by the Teatro Calderon of Madrid, wherein he debuted as Raimondo di Bidebent in Lucia di Lammermoor.

Standard ticket prices for the Aurora performance are: Lm25 (EUR58.23), Lm20 (EUR46.59) and Lm18 (EUR41.93). Bookings can be made via tel. 2156-2974 or tel. 2155-9452 or via email on [email protected]. Box office hours are Monday to Saturday, 9am to noon and 4 to 7pm. For further information visit www.leone.org.mt