Illness has forced two key singers to bow out of this month’s Chicago Symphony Orchestra performances of “Pelléas et Mélisande.”
Christine Rice, who was to sing Mélisande, withdrew with a throat infection and will be replaced by mezzo-soprano Jenny Carlstedt in her U.S. debut. Also in the sick bay is Eric Owens, whose role as Golaud instead will be performed by Willard White.
The replacements prompt a shuffle of the supporting cast that moves David Govertsen into White’s part as Arkel. He’ll be replaced in his doctor and shepherd roles by Bradley Smoak.
The Debussy opera, led by guest conductor Esa-Pekka Salonen as part of the CSO’s French Reveries and Passions Festival, will be presented Thursday, Saturday and May 19 at Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan.
