The widely admired mezzo-soprano, who died on July 3, was scheduled to sing the title role in the Mark Morris staging, which runs May 2, 5, 9 and 12. (The role, originally written for a castrato, can be sung today by either a mezzo or a countertenor.) Daniels will be joined by Lisa Milne as Euridice and Heidi Grant Murphy as Amor. Met music director James Levine will conduct.

The Met will dedicate the May 2007 performances to Hunt Lieberson, the company announced today.

Peter Gelb, who becomes general manager of the Met on August 1, said, "Lorraine Hunt Lieberson's death is a profound loss for the music world. Joseph Volpe, James Levine, and the entire Met community join me in extending our condolences to Lorraine's husband, Peter Lieberson, and to her family, friends, and admirers around the world. We are dedicating the Orfeo performances to her memory to commemorate Lorraine's extraordinary artistry and tremendous generosity of spirit."