Thomas Hampson replaces Siberian baritone in the first of four cancelled concerts.

Leading opera singer Dmitri Hvorostovsky has today announced his withdrawal from all upcoming engagements as he prepares to undergo treatment for a tumor detected on his brain. A statement released on his Facebook page reports that the 52-year-old Siberian baritone has been experiencing physical problems in recent weeks, however the condition has not affected his vocal ability.

Among Hvorostovsky’s canceled appearances is the Gipfeltreffen der Stars scheduled for this coming Saturday in Germany. This performance would have seen Dmitry join with operatic stars Anna Netrebko, Jonas Kaufmann, Ildar Abdrazakov and Elena Zhidkova for a night of operatic songs with the Janáček Philharmonie under the direction of Claudio Vandelli. Hvorostovsky has been replaced by American lyric baritone Thomas Hampson. While grateful for the opportunity to perform with longtime colleagues, in a press release from Global Concerts Hampson admitted that the evening will be “overshadowed by concern for the health of another colleague.”

Limelight’s thoughts are with Dmitry and his family at this difficult time. We wish him all the best and a full recovery and look forward to his return to the stage in September when he sings Count di Luna in Verdi’s Il Trovatore with The Metropolitan Opera.