The Met's autumn run of
Rom_o seems to be star-crossed: Gunn is the second principal to pull out due to illness. Last month tenor
Rolando Villaz‹n, struggling with extended health difficulties, canceled all of his engagements at least through October, including his performances as Romeo in this production. (
Roberto Alagna and
Joseph Kaiser will take the role for the fall run.)
Both Villaz‹n and Gunn remain scheduled for the December run of Rom_o et Juliette.
Gunn was also slated to sing at this Sunday's "Tribute to Beverly Sills" at the Metropolitan Opera House. (He was the recipient of the inaugural Beverly Sills Award.) Performing in his place — alongside Natalie Dessay and Anna Netrebko, with James Levine at the piano — will be bass John Relyea.