Since the passing of a great singer, Johan Botha, on Sepember 8, 2016, Wiener Staatsoper has been trying hard to arrange a replacement for the role of the tenor/Baccus in Ariadne auf Naxos in Japan Tour. It now anounces that the role will be sang by Stephen Gould.

Gould sang the same role in the Bechtold production when it was premiered in Vienna in 2012. The company believes that it would be the best decision for this important replacement.

In addition, Vesselina Kasarova who was to sing the role of the composer in Ariadne auf Naxos was obliged to cancel her participation in Japan tour due to a case of death in her family, to which the company has given its consent.

The role will now feature Stephanie Houtzeel who recently performed the same role to great acclaim in Vienna.

Your kind understanding regarding these cast changes is greatly appreciated.

The following is the message from Mr. Dominique Meyer, Director of Wiener Staatsoper,

≪Message from Mr. Dominique Meyer, Director of Wiener Staatsoper≫

Stephanie Houtzeel is a wonderful singer, who won great acclaim in Bayreuth this past summer. She is highly esteemed by Maestro Janowski and many other great conductors, whom she has worked with. She is currently rehearsing the new production of "Armide" in Vienna -- I have specifically released her from the second half of the performance series, so she can introduce "her" Komponist to the Japanese audience.