Alvarez Replaces Licitra In 'Il Trovatore'

 Marcelo Álvarez will sing the title role in the Met's new production of Verdi's Il Trovatore, which opens February 16, 2009. He replaces Salvatore Licitra, who has withdrawn for personal reasons. In order to rehearse and perform Il Trovatore, Álvarez will himself be replaced in the role of Maurizio in Cilea's Adriana Lecouvreur, which opens on February 6. His replacement in that role will be announced at a later date.

The new production of Il Trovatore, directed by David McVicar, with sets by Charles Edwards, costumes by Brigitte Reiffenstuel, lighting by Jennifer Tipton, and choreography by Leah Hausman, premieres on February 16, conducted by Gianandrea Noseda. The first night cast includes Sondra Radvanovsky as Leonora, Dolora Zajick as Azucena, Dmitri Hvorostovsky as Count di Luna, and Kwangchul Youn as Fernando.